Embu: Man sentenced to 5 years in jail over possession of bhang

A 37-year-old-man in Embu was on Tuesday sentenced to five years in jail or pay a fine of Ksh 400,000 after he was found guilty of being in possession bhang.

The accused; James Kinywa Kiiru, was charged that on March 11, 2017 at Majimbo area along Embu-Kiritiri road, he was found with 143.2 kilograms of marijuana with a street value of Ksh.143,201.

In his ruling, Embu Chief Magistrate Maxwell Gicheru said the accused did not prove that he was not found in possession of the bhang.

“The accused should pay a fine of Ksh 400,000 or serve a jail term of five years,” he ordered.

The accused defended himself arguing that he was not aware of what he was carrying bhang in his vehicle, as it was only given to him as a parcel to be delivered in Embu town.

The court also ordered that the bhang be destroyed under the supervision of the court registrar, the County Criminal Investigation officer together with public health officer.