Kenya's Cannabis Conundrum: A Colonial Legacy of Repression The Kenyan High Court's rejection of Rastafarians' bid for a marijuana exemption has sparked debate about the country's draconian narcotics laws, which were imposed by British colonial authorities in the early 20th century.
The ruling is a setback for the small but vocal Rastafarian community and highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom and self determination that continues to haunt post colonial Africa.
Judge Bahati Mwamuye noted that marijuana use is not just a Rastafarian phenomenon, but a widespread practice in Kenya that has been tolerated for decades.