Kenol: A Kenol court in Murang’a County has imposed fines on two individuals for offenses related to drug trafficking and illegal alcohol sales. Jacob Mwangi Muiruri, a young man charged with trafficking cannabis sativa, was fined Sh80,000 or given an alternative of serving ten months in prison.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwangi appeared before Resident Magistrate Jacinda Renna on May 30, 2025. The court heard that a police patrol team, led by Inspector Easter and accompanied by local officials, acted on a tip-off regarding a suspect selling bhang near Pundamilia Dam in Makuyu. Upon arriving at the scene, Mwangi attempted to flee but was apprehended in a nearby sugarcane plantation. Officers recovered 127 rolls of bhang, rolling materials, and Sh800 suspected to be proceeds from sales. The government chemist confirmed the substance as cannabis, valued at Sh6,500 and not prescribed for medical use.
Initially pleading not guilty, Mwangi later changed his plea, admitting to the charges and asking for leniency. The court took into account the time he had already spent in remand when imposing the sentence. Mwangi was granted the right to appeal within 14 days, while the recovered bhang will be destroyed and the Sh800 forfeited to the state.
In a separate case, Mary Wambui Wainaina faced charges for selling alcohol without a license. The court fined her Sh50,000 or six months in prison after she admitted to operating Kiandutu Bar in Matunda village without a valid liquor license. The court was presented with alcoholic beverages as evidence, including bottles of vodka and other drinks. Wambui pleaded for leniency, explaining she was the sole provider for her children. The court considered her time in custody when delivering the sentence.
