Njoroge Chege found himself entangled in a legal predicament when he was apprehended with 100 grams of marijuana valued at Sh2,000 on July 22 in Ngara, Nairobi. Standing before Kibera Chief Magistrate Ann Mwangi, he faced charges of violating the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substance act, a serious offense under the law.
Accepting responsibility for his actions, Mr. Chege pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis. In an unexpected twist, he disclosed that he consumed the banned substance to alleviate a private health issue he was grappling with. He revealed that he suffered from a sensitive ailment affecting his private parts, and smoking cannabis was the only remedy that brought him any measure of relief from the distress caused by this condition.
During his court appearance, Chege refrained from providing explicit details about his medical condition, focusing instead on expressing genuine remorse and seeking the court’s leniency. He acknowledged his wrongdoing and made a heartfelt promise to change his habits.
The prosecution acknowledged that Njoroge Chege had a clean record with no prior offenses related to this matter. Despite this, they advocated for a stringent sentence to serve as a deterrent. However, it was left to the wisdom of the magistrate to decide on the appropriate course of action.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ann Mwangi weighed the circumstances surrounding the case. Understanding the complexity of the situation, she presented Njoroge with two options for his penalty. He could either pay a fine of Sh20,000, or in the event of non-payment, serve a six-month jail term.
The case of Njoroge Chege highlights the complexities of drug-related offenses and the potential reasons behind individuals resorting to illegal substances. While the possession of cannabis remains unlawful, his plea for relief sheds light on the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing drug-related issues, considering the underlying health concerns of some individuals.
It is crucial for society and policymakers to seek a balance between upholding the law and understanding the underlying factors that may lead individuals to engage in illicit activities. Njoroge’s case serves as a reminder that addressing the root causes of drug use and offering appropriate support and intervention may lead to better outcomes for both the individuals involved and the community as a whole.
