As Kenya’s two major presidential candidates vie for votes in an upcoming election, a third candidate has emerged on a campaign for marijuana and hyena testicles to help solve the country’s economic problems.
Elections are being held in East Africa’s richest country on 9 August, with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and Vice President William Ruto in a tough race.
However, reggae fan Jorge Vazcoya has emerged as the wildcard candidate, promising to wipe out the country’s debt with his “Hemp Solution”.
Mr Wazakoiah has attracted younger members of the electorate, with many saying traditional politicians have failed to tackle corruption, inflation and unemployment.
The law-professor receives about 2% of the vote from the gravedigger, but may have his say in the election if he supports one of the frontrunners or takes the vote from the other.
During his campaign trial, he has pledged to wipe out close to a $70bn (£57.9bn) loan to Kenya by setting up a medical cannabis industry and exporting animal parts to China, where he says hyena testicles are a delicacy. is believed.
“I have created a new tribe, known as the Ganja tribe,” he said of his popularity.
“These (politicians), they have helicopters, they have money, they have painted cars. I don’t have a single poster.”
They have attracted the attention of young voters, who feel deprived of established politicians.
‘Hemp Solution’
Mr Wazakoiah is a well-known figure in Nairobi’s club scene, and local media coverage of his run for the presidency has led to speculation that he has the support of a larger campaign to attract the youth vote.
However, he rubbished the rumours, saying that he has turned down offers of cash to support candidates.
Instead, he dreams of smoking marijuana in the presidential office.
“We will go to the state house and smoke it to remove colonial impurities,” the 62-year-old said in his statement.
Wood-paneled office, playing two-ringed and listening to Hare Krishna’s prayer.
Other policies in his manifesto range from federalizing the government and renegotiated Kenya’s debt with China to the execution of those found guilty of corruption.
“We have come up with a hemp solution,” he said.
test a low budget campaign
The wildcard candidate is running on a lavish budget, with supporters creating homemade posters showing off his snow-white beard and the slogan “Vazakoya the 5th”, alluding to his bid to become Kenya’s fifth president.
“If I showed you how much money I have, you would laugh,” he said.
Because of his budget, his rallies included his unannounced visits to markets, his car playing reggae music and publicizing his candidacy in front of an audience.
Currently, he is voting on about 2% of the vote, well behind the two leading men.
On Wednesday, Mr Vazcoya’s convoy went to Gatundu, about 30 km north of the capital, where a crowd of about 400 people gathered.
“Every election cycle everyone comes here with their campaign,” said Jeff Mwangi, a laborer.
“If this man can do what he’s really saying… we’ll go very far as a country.”