Lawyer Seeks Court Order to Stop Rastafarians from Bringing Cannabis to Hearings

By : Mweru Mbugua 

A lawyer representing the Attorney General has urged the High Court to bar members of the Rastafarian community from bringing cannabis into court as proceedings continue in a petition challenging laws that criminalise the substance

The petitioners, drawn from the Rastafarian community, argue that prohibiting the private use of cannabis infringes on their constitutional rights — particularly freedom of religion — maintaining that the substance is integral to their spiritual practices

During the mention of the case, the state counsel asked the court to issue clear directions prohibiting prohibited substances within the courtroom

“Don’t come with those substances in court,” the lawyer submitted

The matter is set to proceed before Justice Bahati Mwamuye in Kiambu following his recent transfer. Both parties agreed that the petition, which has been pending for some time, should continue under his direction. They noted that key procedural steps including directions on hearing, filing of submissions, highlighting, and delivery of judgment had already been issued

 Also read : William Ruto, Johnson Sakaja Tour Nairobi Projects, Pledge Faster Service Delivery

Justice Mwamuye sought clarification on whether previously scheduled dates would stand under his stewardship. However, lawyers expressed concern that transferring the case could potentially reopen proceedings and delay the judgment

“Kiambu is not far, we will follow you there,” said lawyer Shadrack Wambui

By consent, the court directed that the petition will proceed before Justice Mwamuye in Kiambu. It was further agreed that the highlighting of submissions and delivery of judgment will be conducted virtually to ensure continuity and prevent delays in concluding the matter