Members of Rastafarian Society of Kenya appearing before Justice Bahati Mwamuye on a case seeking the legalisation of bhang at Milimani High Court on January 14, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI


Members of the Rastafari Society of Kenya appeared before Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday in a case seeking the legalisation of bhang.

The society is challenging sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act that criminalise the cultivation, possession and use of cannabis.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, ruled that Nacada be enjoined as an interested party.

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"The application is allowed in terms of the enjoinment of Nacada as an interested party in this matter with immediate effect," he directed.

This is after the government and parties agreed that the agency plays a central role in matters touching on drug policy and regulation.

Members of Rastafarian Society at Milimani High Court on January 14, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI


The society argues that cannabis is central to its religious practice and that criminalisation violates constitutional rights to freedom of religion, privacy, dignity and equality.

The petition has been pending for several years, with the society seeking recognition of the Rastafari faith and limited decriminalisation of cannabis for religious use.


Members of Rastafarian Society of Kenya appearing before Justice Bahati Mwamuye on a case seeking the legalisation of bhang at Milimani High Court on January 14, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI


Members of Rastafarian Society at Milimani High Court on January 14, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI


Members of Rastafarian Society at the Milimani High Court on January 14, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI


Rastafarian Society of Kenya represented by lawyers Shadrack Wambui and Danstan Omari address the media at Milimani High Court, Nairobi on January 14, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI