By Andrew Kariuki
Members of the Rastafari community have told the High Court that they are facing increased police harassment following heightened media coverage of a constitutional petition seeking the legalisation of marijuana for religious use.
The concerns were raised on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during proceedings in a case filed by the Rastafari Society of Kenya (RSK), which is challenging the criminalisation of cannabis under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
Appearing before Justice Bahati Mwamuye, counsel for the petitioners, Shadrack Wambui, said publicity surrounding the case has made Rastafari members easily identifiable, exposing them to frequent stop and search encounters by police officers.
Wambui told the court that images and footage circulating in the media have allegedly resulted in profiling of Rastafari members based on their appearance, even in situations where they are not in possession of cannabis.
According to the petitioners, some members of the faith have been subjected to repeated searches driven by stereotypes linking the Rastafari religion to marijuana use, rather than reasonable suspicion.
The Rastafari Society urged the court to issue interim directions to protect its members from what it described as harassment and intimidation by law enforcement officers, pending the determination of the main petition.
Counsel submitted that the continued police encounters undermine the dignity, privacy and freedom of religion of Rastafari adherents, adding that the situation has made it difficult for members of the community to go about their daily lives without fear.
The petition, filed in 2021, seeks formal recognition of the Rastafari faith and a declaration that the use of cannabis for religious purposes should not attract criminal sanctions.
The society maintains that cannabis is a sacrament central to its spiritual practice and that existing drug laws disproportionately affect its members.
Justice Mwamuye directed the parties to address the concerns through appropriate legal channels as the main petition proceeds.
