Justice Bahati Mwamuye Rules Kenyan Drug Laws Stand Against Rastafarians Seeking Religious Exemption
The Kenyan High Court ruled that existing drug laws prohibit the use of marijuana, denying the Rastafarians a religious exemption for cannabis use. Justice Bahati Mwamuye stated that the community failed to prove that cannabis use is an essential element of their faith, upholding the constitutionality of Kenya’s narcotics statutes. Rastafarians had petitioned the court for permission to use the substance privately during worship, arguing that the current bans violated their freedom of religion. While Justice Mwamuye acknowledged the need for a broader national discussion on drug policy, he found the evidence presented insufficient to override established law. The court ruling maintains that possession and use of marijuana remain serious offenses under Kenyan law. Despite the setback, representatives for the Rastafarians plan to appeal the judgment. Meanwhile, some local residents expressed support for the ruling, emphasizing that existing statutes must be respected unless proper legal justification is provided. The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding established legal frameworks.