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Roots Party’s presidential running mate  Justina Wamae and her Agano Party’s counterpart Ruth Mutua faced off as debates for State House kicked off yesterday.

Wamae, the Deputy President candidate of  George Wajackoya, who is pushing for legalisation of marijuana, used the occasion to  “demystify” their party’s manifesto. She defended the Roots Party policy to hang corrupt individuals, saying it will instill fear on possible offenders. The issues of youth unemployment, high cost of living, war on corruption and the proposal to cultivate bhang for commercial reasons took centre stage during the debate broadcast live across the country last evening.

“I came here to fight the stigma against the Roots manifesto. To tell Kenyans to open their eyes and because we believe that they are mature. The future is beautiful for Kenya and that is what Roots Party stands for,” said Wamae. 

She argued that their competitors will not provide solutions to the country’s problems.

According to her, their controversial proposals will require “a change of mindset” by Kenyans. 

“My focus is to tell Kenyans the truth. Having been born in Kibera, I can say with confidence that I understand the challenges Kenyans face,” said Wamae.

On her part, Mutua said: “We will bring money. My responsibility will be to assist my captain, Mwaure, to achieve his vision”.

“I am coming into the contest with intelligence and vision. We will, for the first time, have a woman Deputy President to steer the country in the right direction and bring development. I will articulate issues facing the youth and women,” she added.

According to Wamae, Kenyans should provide a platform that accommodates divergent, however controversial. “Kenyans are tired. They want new leadership,” she told the moderators, denying claims that their candidature targeted to “spoil” the youth.

But Mutua said the policy to grow marijuana would destroy future generations. “Bhang smoking is illegal.  In which market will they sell it,? “ charged Mutua. “But why are there many Kenyans suffering from mental illness yet bhang is illegalised?” said Mutua.