Kenyan Rastafarians Battle Court Ruling on Religious Cannabis Use BODY: Nairobi, Kenya – On July 15, 2026, the High Court in Nairobi ruled against the Rastafari Society of Kenya, denying Rastafarians the right to smoke marijuana for religious purposes. This decision has sparked a contentious debate over religious freedom and the interpretation of Kenya’s drug laws.
The Rastafari Society of Kenya has been advocating for the right to use cannabis under the constitutional right to freedom of religion since 2021.
They argue that the use of marijuana is an essential part of their religious practice, often used in meditation and as a sacrament.
However, the court ruled that the Rastafarians had failed to demonstrate that the use of marijuana was an essential part of their religious practice.
The current drug laws in Kenya, under which possession of marijuana is punishable by up to 10 years’imprisonment and a substantial fine, will not be bypassed for the Rastafarian community.
This ruling has been met with disappointment and determination from the Rastafari community, who plan to appeal the decision. Ras Wambua, a spokesperson for the Rastafari Society of Kenya, expressed disappointment and determination to appeal the court’s decision. “
We will not lose hope, “said Wambua. “.
We will continue to pursue our rights, because when you see one door has been closed, we believe other doors have been opened. “Ras Dimo, one of the petitioners, characterized the ruling as reflective of oppressive colonial laws aimed at suppressing African spirituality.
Officials commented on the matter.
The Rastafari movement, which emphasizes mysticism, Pan — Africanism, and vegetarianism, is practiced primarily by people of African descent and is associated with the belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia.
The use of cannabis is a significant aspect of Rastafarian religious practice, often used in meditation and as a sacrament. Despite the ruling, the judge acknowledged the widespread recreational use of cannabis in Kenya and suggested that the current law may be too harsh.
The community’s lawyer said they would appeal the decision, emphasizing that the Rastafarians’rights to religious freedom should be respected. “This case highlights the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in Kenya and the complexities surrounding the use of cannabis in religious practice.
As the Rastafari community continues to push for their rights, the conversation surrounding religious freedom and drug laws in Kenya is likely to intensify.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: Clarisse FORTUNÉ
