NACADA enjoined in Rastafarians’ case seeking bhang legalisation

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has been formally enjoined in a constitutional petition challenging the ban on cannabis, prompting the High Court to adjourn the hearing of the case.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye allowed NACADA’s application to join the matter as an interested party and, as a result, vacated the hearing dates that had been scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

The court set January 30, 2026, as the new hearing date, while judgment in the case has been deferred to March 19, 2026.

The petition was filed by members of the Rastafari community, who argue that laws criminalising the private use of cannabis violate their constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of religion.

They maintain that cannabis is an integral part of their spiritual and religious practices.

Through their lawyer, Shadrack Wambui, the Rastafarian community also accused the police of continued harassment and intimidation.

Counsel told the court that photographs of Rastafarians have been circulating online, exposing members of the community to profiling and persistent harassment by law enforcement officers.