The quest for religious freedom hit a literal barrier at the Milimani Law Courts this week, as members of the Rastafari Society of Kenya were denied entry with what they consider a holy sacrament: cannabis seeds. In a dramatic standoff at the gates, security officers barred the petitioners from bringing the seeds into the court precincts, despite their lawyers arguing that the items were crucial exhibits in an ongoing constitutional petition.

The incident unfolded as the Rastafarians arrived for a hearing before Justice Bahati Mwamuye. They are challenging the constitutionality of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, arguing that the criminalization of cannabis violates their right to manifest their faith. However, the "system" was not ready to welcome the herb, even as evidence. "These seeds are exhibits. We pray that they be allowed as evidence, and they do not pose any public danger," their lawyers pleaded. The court, prioritizing public safety and legality, sided with the security officers.

"Contraband" in the Courtroom

Justice Mwamuye was firm but fair, granting the petitioners leave to file photographs of the seeds instead of physically presenting them. "The seeds are contraband; security did the right thing. They denied entry so that we don't find a situation where there is an illegality," the judge ruled. He emphasized that the court could not sanction the possession of a prohibited substance within its own corridors, even for the sake of a hearing challenging that very prohibition.

The case has attracted the attention of NACADA, which has joined as an interested party to defend the current drug laws. The Rastafarians argue that just as Christians use wine and bread, cannabis is central to their spiritual connection. "We've been blocked from bringing cannabis seeds in court," they lamented, viewing the exclusion as yet another act of persecution by the state.

• The Standoff: Security vs. Rastafarians at Milimani Law Courts gates.
• The Ruling: Justice Mwamuye allows photos of seeds but bans the physical item.
• The Stakeholders: NACADA joins the case to oppose the legalization of "spiritual" use.

The hearing has been adjourned to March 23, 2026, but the message from the judiciary is clear: until the law is changed, the "holy herb" remains unwelcome in the halls of justice. For the Rastafarians, it is a reminder that their fight for recognition is far from over, facing resistance not just from the police, but from the very procedures of the court they seek to persuade.