30-year sentence for 32 rolls of bhang sparks public outrage in Nakuru
A Nakuru man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for being in possession of 32 rolls of bhang.
A recent article by Maata Wangu, showing a court sentencing a man to 30 years in prison for possessing 32 rolls of bhang, has triggered a wave of online outrage. Many are questioning the fairness and consistency of the justice system.
The outrage from Nakuru residents is on whether drug laws disproportionately target minor offenders compared to those accused of major crimes such as corruption or murder.
Those who saw the 30-year sentence as excessive and unjust were the loudest in their reactions, with Stalin Kooli noting, “Honestly, I don’t understand how the Kenyan courts interpret the law.”
Mel Jeps echoes this view, opining, "Miaka 30 juu ya bangi na maybe mwenye amemfunga ameloot millions from public...', while Michael Kinyanjui asks, 'And what about those who embezzle public funds?"
Oyoch Leumas expressed the view that "the law is truly illegal. Bhang is a plant. How can one be imprisoned for having the Jah plant?” While Steve KE Matta wonders, “Does one joint equate to one year in prison?”
Junior Senior Hosea Maraa asks, "So is murder better?" Mejja Bobby observes, "Na murderers manaachiliwa bure...wakuwe serious pia wao.” Alvin Were points out, “... na kuna killer cops hawajafungwa.”
Another group of online users voiced their support for the legalisation of cannabis.
"The herb should be legalised," says Jerry More. "Bhang should not be illegal," says Daktari Daktari.
Baba Voss poses a more technical question: "Now, is it the bhang, a plant of the gods, that is illegal, or the person in possession of it?" If three rolls are worth 30 years' imprisonment, what about a bale? Does the law bend for large-scale but not small-scale possession?"
Others sought clarity on whether cannabis possession is indeed prohibited, with Samuel Chege Checheh asking, "Is cannabis illegal?"
Shining the spotlight on political leaders, Johnie Kibaara asks, "Why don't politicians get punished?" Sospeter Mugo adds, "And the ones stealing billions are walking free."
Sammy Captain Smyzy notes, “The courts in this country only seem to be ‘just’ to ordinary people. I wonder if the jails would contain anyone if everyone in Kenya were a millionaire.”
Gold Heart asks, “30 years... why?”, while Johnte Mwa questions, “Why are people sent to prison for smoking, yet police officers who have killed innocent people are free?”
"This is grossly unjust! Terrorists are given 30 years, yet petty offenders receive the same punishment. No!” Peter Nyakundi states.
Tarik Tariq asks, '30 years for what? Our justice system punishes the weak and lets the powerful off the hook.” Fast Forward adds, 'This is injustice.' Noel Mutugi remarks, "The Kenyan legal system is ridiculous."