Kenyan content creator Kabi WaJesus recently shared his journey from battling bhang addiction to ultimately finding salvation.
Through a post on his Instagram page, Kabi WaJesus disclosed his past struggle with bhang addiction, shedding light on the dangers of substance abuse, particularly for young individuals growing up in challenging environments.
"Ushawai vuta weed?" ("Have you ever smoked weed?"). He went on to recount how he was introduced to smoking weed at a young age, during his formative years in the ghetto.
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The initial temptation to fit in and maintain friendships led him down a path that he now recognizes as fraught with peril.
"In the wild journey of life, especially growing up in the ghetto, sometimes you find yourself taking unexpected turns. Nikiwa class 5, I was introduced to smoking weed – a choice born from the desire to fit in and hold onto friends. Little did I know, it was just the gateway to something more sinister – a notorious gang," Kabi shared.
He further disclosed the disturbing revelation that the gang he had become associated with had informed him that initiation required circumcision, a proposition that would have seen him undergo a life-altering procedure in class 6.
Fortunately, that plan never materialized, and Kabi WaJesus expressed gratitude for divine intervention in his life.
Kabi WaJesus urged others not to underestimate the gravity of drug use, stressing the potential consequences it can have on individuals, especially impressionable youth.
"We often hear people make light of weed, but it's a path that can lead someone's child to crime, heavy addiction, or a life as useful as a cabbage! 🥬 So let’s not make drugs look fun because you are an adult and maybe in control of yourself. What about that child who is watching and all they want is to copy without any self-control? How will their young minds be saved from this?" He implored.
Kabi's journey took a significant turn when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). Following the doctor's orders, he was instructed to quit smoking both weed and cigarettes.
He managed to stay sober for a few months before relapsing into his addiction. It was at this point that he realized he couldn't conquer his demons on his own.
However, on September 15, 2013, Kabi found salvation and embraced Christianity. To his astonishment, the urge to smoke weed vanished as soon as he accepted Jesus as his saviour.
He also took proactive steps to confront his past demons.
"I will smoke or drink you no more, I am now born again!" Kabi wrote.
While quoting Rev 12:11, he highlighted the role of faith in overcoming life's most challenging journeys "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."
NACADA: Number of bhang consumers increases
According to the latest survey conducted by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the use of cannabis (bhang) in Kenya has experienced a significant increase of 90% over the past five years.
The report indicates that among youth aged 15 to 24 years, approximately 193,430 individuals, which is equivalent to one in every 37, are currently using cannabis. This represents a prevalence rate of 2.7 per cent within this age group.
For those aged 25 to 35 years, the survey found that 174,142 individuals, or one in every 48, are currently using cannabis, resulting in a prevalence rate of 2.1 per cent.
In the broader age group of 15 to 65 years, which includes a population of approximately 518,807 people, it was estimated that in every 53 Kenyans, one is currently using the drug.
The survey also revealed regional variations in cannabis consumption, with the highest usage recorded in Nairobi at 6.3 per cent, followed by Nyanza at 2.4 per cent, and Coast at 1.9 per cent.
