Free the Herb!” Rastafarians Sing Outside Court After Push to Legalise Bhang

Songs, chants and rhythmic drumming filled the air outside the Milimani High Court. A group of Rastafarians broke into song. This happened shortly after the hearing of a petition seeking to legalise the use of bhang in Kenya.

The group gathered peacefully at the court entrance. They turned the usually quiet judicial precinct into a colourful expression of faith. It was also a protest.

Clad in traditional Rastafarian attire, the petitioners and their supporters bore dreadlocks symbolic of their religious identity. They sang spiritual hymns. They described these hymns as prayers for justice.

Some waved flags bearing Pan African colours. Others held placards calling for freedom of religious expression. They demanded an end to what they termed as discrimination against their beliefs.

The petition before the High Court challenges existing laws that criminalise marijuana. It argues that bhang holds deep spiritual significance in Rastafarian faith.

According to the petitioners, the herb is used as a sacrament during worship and meditation. They claim that its prohibition violates constitutional rights to freedom of religion. These rights include conscience and belief as enshrined in Article 32 of the Constitution.

Speaking outside the court, leaders of the group said they were encouraged by the opportunity to be heard. They remain optimistic as they await the court’s determination.

They maintained that their push was not about promoting drug abuse. It focused on the recognition of religious practices. They advocated for the responsible and regulated use of bhang for spiritual purposes.

We are here peacefully because our faith teaches love and respect,” one of the petitioners said. “This herb is holy to us, and criminalising it criminalises our faith.”

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Security officers monitored the gathering but no incidents were reported, as the singing and chanting remained orderly.

Curious passers-by stopped to watch. Some recorded the moment on their phones. The group’s melodies echoed along State House Road.

The state opposed the petition through its lawyers. They argued that existing narcotics laws are designed to protect public health. These laws also ensure public safety.

The court was told that any change to the legal status of bhang should be handled through Parliament. It should not be handled through the judiciary.

The High Court is expected to issue directions on the matter at a later date. It will decide whether to invite further submissions from interested parties.

As the Rastafarians dispersed after the hearing, their songs lingered in the air. It served as a reminder that beyond the legal arguments, the case has ignited a broader national conversation. This conversation touches on faith, law, and individual freedoms in Kenya.