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'Ganja Has Produced Some of the Best Legal Minds,Omari confirms

 Says State’s Delays and Stigmatization of Rastafarians Undermine Constitutional Rights

Advocate Danstan Omari has challenged the treatment of Rastafarians, who he says have been unfairly stigmatized for their spiritual use of cannabis. 

Speaking to journalists at the Millimani Law Courts after a court session lawyer Omari argued that the State’s approach amounts to discrimination and undermines the constitutional rights of the community.

“Live evidence is here that taking ganja produces some of the best legal brains in this country,” Omari said.

He countered claims that cannabis use is incompatible with professionalism or intellectual ability.

Lawyer Danstan Omari during the press  briefing outside Milimani law courts on November 17,2025/Photo/Reporter

Further, Omari questioned why other cultural and religious groups are allowed to practice freely without interference, highlighting inconsistencies in how traditions are treated across communities.

 “The Kayas in Coast practice their culture uninterrupted,the Hindus practice uninterrupted,the Meru Njuuri Ncheke practice uninterrupted. Seventh-day Adventists worship on Saturday, Muslims on Friday, and Christians on Sunday—uninterrupted. Why should Rastafarians be attacked by the State?” lawyer Omari asked.

He also criticized the State for failing to respond to the petition, which has been pending since 2021 and warned that further action would be taken against officials who have ignored the matter.

“We will file another petition against officers who have failed to respond. We are giving the Attorney General (AG) a public warning on the matter," Omari warned.

He further noted that the case is among the oldest pending matters in the Human Rights Division, remaining unresolved despite efforts to clear the backlog. 

The court ruled that the matter will proceed on January 14 and 15, 2026, following the adjournment of today’s session.

The case is expected to highlight broader issues of religious freedom, cultural rights, and the protection of rastafarians communities under the law.

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