The High Court has granted the Attorney General additional time to file responses in a petition brought forward by the Rastafari Society of Kenya (RSK). The case, which seeks to challenge laws criminalising marijuana use, had been scheduled for hearing today but was adjourned following a request from state counsel.
The adjournment drew sharp opposition from the petitioners. Lawyer Shadrack Wambui, representing RSK, criticised the repeated delays, noting that the matter has been pending since 2021. He argued that the court had already issued clear directions for the hearing to proceed and emphasised that his clients had travelled from across the country in pursuit of justice.
At the heart of the petition, the Rastafari community contends that prohibiting the private use of cannabis infringes on their constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of religion, as marijuana forms part of their spiritual practice.
Despite objections, the court allowed the adjournment and directed that the hearing resume on 12 January 2026, while maintaining 12 March 2026 as the date for judgment.
Although the petition was filed four years ago, the government has yet to submit its official response, further prolonging the matter.
