A Kakamega court has sentenced Rachael Akinyi Juma to 50 years in prison or, alternatively, ordered her to pay a fine of KSh 50 million after finding her guilty of trafficking five kilograms of cannabis sativa, commonly known as bhang. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed the conviction, which stems from a law enforcement operation executed at her rented residence in Kakamega Central Sub-County. Raid and Evidence Recovery The case dates back to June 12, 2019, when police officers conducted a targeted raid on a house located in the Murram area of Kakamega Central Sub-County following tips provided by members of the public. During the search, law enforcement officers recovered 22 brooms used to conceal 5 kilograms of bhang. State prosecutors valued the seized narcotics at approximately KSh 16,600. Following the recovery, officers arrested Juma and charged her under Section 4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, No. 4 of 1994. Prosecution and Judicial Ruling Led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Lazarus Sirtuy and Prosecution Counsel Stephanie Akinyi, the prosecution team presented evidence connecting the accused to the narcotics, establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt. After evaluating the evidence submitted during the trial, Magistrate D. K. Wambua convicted Juma of drug trafficking and handed down the 5...
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