A 21-year-old drug dealer was sentenced to a three-year jail term after a Kabarnet court convicted him of being in possessing of cannabis sativa.
Bernard Kipchumba who appeared before Kabarnet Principal Magistrate Caroline Ateya on Tuesday was charged with possession of cannabis contrary to section 3(1) as read with section 3(2) (a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act No.4 of 1994.
Kipchumba had been accused that on September 1, 2023, at around 3 pm at Kabartonjo police station within Baringo North sub-county, was found being in possession of two rolls and five grams of bhang in contravention to the requirements of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (control) Act No.4 of 1994.
The Investigating officer told the court that the man was brought to Kabartonjo police station for the offense of stealing farm produce within the community but during their routine search before being taken into police cell they found the two rolls of bhang hidden in his Marvin while the five grams were wrapped in a transparent paper from left pocket of trouser.
The officer said that on further interrogation with his brothers, father, and members of the community, they established that he is among the gang that supplies bhang and they requested for him to be delinked from the environment for his proper and effective rehabilitation.
The prosecution counsel George Mongare noted that Kipchumba suffered from poor parental guidance as a result of alleged mistreatment by his stepmother after his mother passed on.
The counsel added that the young man copied the bad habit of abusing drugs and alcohol from his father.
Kipchumba in mitigation told the court that he uses cannabis to boost his ability and morale to work and earn a living.
The Magistrate while giving the verdict said that the accused is not suitable to serve a non-custodial sentence because the community wants him rehabilitated in a conducive environment that will provide behavioural change.
Ateya said that after considering all the evidence adduced she was satisfied that the accused deterrent custodian sentenced and subsequently handed him a three-year jail term without an option of a fine.
By Joshua Kibet
