Rastafarian Push to Legalise Marijuana Heats Up as Court Delays Case Again

The Rastafari Society of Kenya accuses the state of deliberate delays as their four-year battle for cannabis rights drags on.

The Rastafari Society of Kenya has protested a new delay in its long-running petition to legalise marijuana for religious and cultural use. The High Court on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025, granted the government more time to file its response, extending a case that began in 2021.

The hearing was scheduled for the morning, but state counsel asked for an adjournment. The request sparked anger among the petitioners, who said the government had ignored clear instructions from the court.

Lawyer Shadrack Wambui argued that the state had “repeatedly sought postponements” and placed his clients in a difficult position. “This matter is old. My clients travelled from many parts of the country,” he said. “They seek justice, not more delays.”

The Rastafarian community insists cannabis is central to their spiritual identity. They say the ban violates their freedom of worship and their right to conduct religious practices without fear.

Outside the court, their frustration was evident. Some members accused Attorney General Dorcas Oduor of failing to take the case seriously. “The government has ignored this petition since 2021,” said one Rasta elder. “We want a response because our rights matter.”

Their lawyer also threatened further legal action. “We will file another petition against those who fail to respond,” he said. “Kenyans deserve officials who respect the law.”

The court set a new hearing date for January 12 and kept March 12, 2026 as the judgment day.

Rastafarians say cannabis supports meditation and spiritual unity. They argue that other harmful substances remain legal, yet their sacrament leads to arrests and stigma. “Alcohol harms many people, but it is legal,” one member said. “Our herb helps us reason and connect with Jah.”

The community now hopes the January hearing will finally allow the court to address their petition without further delay.