Man Admits Using Cannabis to Chase Birds in Mwea Rice Farm, Fined KSh 10,000 or Six Months Imprisonment by Kirinyaga Court

A man appeared before Wang’uru law court in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, after admitting to using cannabis on his farm. Brian Macharia told the court that he smoked the drug to chase away birds destroying his family’s rice crops. He said the birds were causing major losses and havoc on the farm.

Before Wang’uru principal magistrate Martha Opanga, the prosecution said Macharia was caught on January 9, 2026, at Kiriko village in Mwea-east sub-county with nine and a half rolls of cannabis. The drugs were valued at KSh 960 and were not for medical purposes. Possession violated the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act, Cap 4 of 1994.

Macharia pleaded guilty and explained during mitigation that he believed using the drug was legal. He argued that smoking cannabis helped him scare away quelea birds, a persistent problem for local farmers. Many farmers hire costly bird scarers, but he said the drug was a cheaper, though illegal, alternative.

The court acknowledged his explanation but emphasized that the law prohibits non-medical possession of cannabis. Magistrate Opanga fined him KSh 10,000 or six months imprisonment. Macharia was also told he has 14 days to appeal the ruling if dissatisfied.

The case highlights challenges faced by Mwea rice farmers, who often battle bird infestations that threaten their livelihoods. While Macharia’s approach was illegal, it underscores the need for affordable and legal pest control solutions.

Legal experts note that even minor possession of controlled substances carries penalties in Kenya. They stress that ignorance of the law is rarely accepted as a defense. Farmers are urged to use government-approved methods for crop protection.

Macharia’s case serves as a reminder that protecting livelihoods is important, but it must be done within the law. Balancing farm survival with legal compliance is crucial to avoid criminal charges and fines.