WorldPublished: 16 July 2026 at 17:37
Kenya's High Court rejects Rastafari bid to decriminalize cannabis for religious use
Kenya's High Court has ruled against the Rastafari community's petition to decriminalize cannabis use in their religious rituals, ending a case that had been pending since 2021.
A Kenyan court delivered a closely watched ruling on Tuesday morning, rejecting a long-standing petition from the Rastafari community. The case, which had been under consideration since 2021, sought to decriminalize the use of cannabis for members of the community, which is officially recognized as a religion in Kenya. Rastafarians argued that the drug is an essential part of their religious rituals. However, the court ruled against the petition, meaning the use of cannabis remains illegal for the community.
