A 23-year-old woman appeared before Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo on September 7.

She was charged with trafficking narcotic drugs within Thika Law Courts in Kiambu County.

Martha Muthoni Muhindi was arrested with 20 rolls of marijuana that she was reportedly selling to suspects who had ongoing cases in the court.

The drugs were valued at KSh 2000. She was then charged with the offence of trafficking narcotic drugs contrary to section 4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act No. 4 of 2022.

Muthoni pleaded guilty to the crime and begged the court for forgiveness.

The Chief Magistrate Atambo was startled by this ask retorting, “naomba msamaha, unakuja kuuza bangi kortini!”

The sentence hearing is set for October 9 2023.

Marijuana is illegal in Kenya and one risks imprisonment of upto 10 years or liable to a fine of upto two hundred and fifty thousand shillings (KSh 250,000) or both.

Legalisation

The late Kenneth Okoth, former Kibra constituency MP, had sponsored the Marijuana Controll Bill which sough to decriminalise the consumption and growth in Kenya.

The bill also proposed that all criminal records against citizens with prior convictions of marijuana use dropped.

Additionally, he wanted amnesty measures instituted. Although the bill was not introduced to the National Assembly, Okoth had written to the then Speaker Justin Muturi.

ALSO READ: Sakaja, Babu Owino trade barbs: “You’re addicted to bhang… stop stuffing white stuff up your nose!”

“The proposed Bill seeks to ensure that there is regulation for growth and safe use of marijuana and hemp including the registration of growers of growers…”

“… producers, manufacturers and users with special focus on protection of children/minors from illicit use just as we do with tobacco and alcohol,” read his letter.

“Progressive taxation measures for the marijuana industry to boost economic independence of Kenya.”

“Additionally, promote job creation along the full spectrum of the value addition chain for marijuana and hemp.”