Nyahururu: Man fined Ksh.50M or 30-year jail term for bhang trafficking

Bernard Waiguru Mwangi was convicted for possession and trafficking of narcotics, specifically cannabis sativa, contrary to Section 4(ii) of the Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Amendment Act of 2022.

Mwangi was charged with trafficking 1,422 kilograms of cannabis, valued at Kshs 41 million, on January 18 of this year at Kigumo village in the Lusogwa area of Nyahururu Sub-County, Laikipia County. 

The drugs were found concealed in a container covered with aluminum iron sheets, which had reportedly been stored for over a month by an unidentified dealer.

In delivering the judgment, Nyahururu Resident Magistrate Fredrick Larabi described the offense as severe and prevalent across many parts of the country, warranting a strict sentence to deter future crimes. 

The prosecution called five witnesses to testify, successfully proving the case beyond reasonable doubt. 

Mwangi, who testified in his defense without calling any witnesses, was unable to counter the prosecution’s evidence.

As a result, the court ordered Mwangi to either pay the Kshs 50 million fine or serve 30 years in prison. 

He was also granted a 14-day window to appeal the ruling.

Additionally, the court directed that the 63 bags of cannabis, presented as evidence, be destroyed in the presence of Nyahururu’s Deputy Commissioner, Area Police Commander, the DCI, the OCS Nyahururu, and Public Health officials. 

The corrugated iron sheets and container used to store the drugs were forfeited to the state, as no one came forward to claim ownership. 

The court ordered that these items be repurposed for other uses.