High Court Grants AG More Time in Rastafari Society Marijuana Case
Lawyer Shadrack Wambui, representing RSK, told the court that the state has repeatedly sought postponements, delaying a matter that has been pending since 2021
The High Court has granted the Attorney General additional time to respond to a petition filed by the Rastafari Society of Kenya (RSK), which seeks to overturn laws criminalising marijuana use
The case had been set for hearing today, but state counsel requested an adjournment, drawing strong objections from the petitioners
Lawyer Shadrack Wambui, representing RSK, told the court that the state has repeatedly sought postponements, delaying a matter that has been pending since 2021
“You issued clear directions that this matter be heard today. This is an old case, and my clients have travelled from various parts of the country. They seek an audience, not victimisation,” Wambui argued
The Rastafari community contends that laws prohibiting private cannabis use violate their constitutional rights, particularly freedom of religion, as cannabis forms part of their spiritual practices
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The court approved the adjournment, setting the next hearing for 12 January 2026 while maintaining 12 March 2026 as the judgment date
Despite the petition being filed four years ago, the government has yet to submit its official response
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
