Courtroom in stitches after man testifies he grows bhang 'for its beauty'
Inset: Cornelius Kiprotich and the marijuana he was accused of growing at home.
A man left an Eldoret court in stitches after he claimed that he was cultivating marijuana in flower pots for their beauty.
24-year-old Cornelius Kiprotich from Sosian village, Turbo, testified that he planted cannabis sativa at home because it was his source of joy and peace, leaving Senior Resident Magistrate Keynes Odhiambo and the gallery bemused.
He was arrested on March 7, 2026 for cultivating 15 stems of cannabis sativa (bhang) in decorative pots, but Kiprotich told the court that his intentions were purely aesthetic and spiritual.
"Your honour, I'm not a drug peddler. I'm a lover of nature. These plants were my source of peace...every time I look at them I feel a calm that no other flower can provide," he said.
"I was tending to them to beautify my home and soothe my soul," Kiprotich added after pleading guilty.
Marijuana planted by Cornelius Korir in flower vessels is displayed in an Eldoret court on March 19, 2025.
When the magistrate asked why he didn't opt for traditional flowers to beautify his home, Kiprotich’s response was blunt.
"I stay away from roses because they attract women," he said.
"I'm not ready for the drama and complications that come with women right now. I prefer the solace and scent of my cannabis. They don't ask for anything, they just give me peace of mind," he said amid laughter in court.
Despite his off-beat defence, Kiprotich pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating narcotics contrary to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.
"I am remorseful, Your Honor. I now realise that even though the herb makes my environment beautiful, it's against the law of the land. I regret planting an illegal beauty," he added.
Separately at the same court, another man found himself in the dock for possession of several rolls of bhang.
The court heard that on March 17, 2026, Hillary Korir was found in possession of 10 rolls with a street value of Sh2,000 on the outskirts of Eldoret city.
He pleaded guilty, but insisted he's not a drug peddler since his bhang was a performance enhancer for his daily activities.
"Your Honor, this is my medicine for strength," the accused told the court.
"I'm a manual labourer. Without this, the day is too long. I have a strict prescription of one roll in the morning to start my day, one at noon to keep me going, and one before bed to repair my body. It is not for sale; it is for my health consumption," he told the court.
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