Eldoret Handcart Operator Defends Marijuana Use
A handcart puller, who found himself in trouble for having 37 rolls of bhang, recently told an Eldoret court that he relies on the illegal substance to help him cope with stress.
Victor Ndori, who runs a handcart in Eldoret City, appeared before Principal Magistrate Nancy Barasa to face charges of narcotics possession.
He admitted to having a controlled substance and selling it to students, an offense that took place on October 2, 2025, in Uasin Gishu County.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Ndori was apprehended by police during a routine patrol and later taken to the Eldoret Central Police Station, where he was processed and brought to court.
Ndori acknowledged the details of the case, explaining that he uses the drug to relieve stress rather than for any harmful reasons.
“It is unfortunate, your honour, to find myself in this situation. To tell the truth, I use drugs as a stress reliever. I don’t use them for wrongdoing. Please be lenient with me, and I promise not to repeat this offence. The only issue is that I cannot eat in the evening without it,” Ndori told a packed courtroom.
He requested a non-custodial sentence, explaining that he is a regular user of bhang to cope with the demands of his job.
“I usually wake up early in the morning when it is extremely cold to participate in cleaning activities in the city,” he said, adding:
“I plead for mercy, your honour. I take this harmful drug because of the nature of my job; it really requires me to smoke bhang. Believe me or not, I must smoke cannabis before my evening meals after a long day of work. You can confirm this with my neighbours.”
Barasa has decided to keep Ndori at the Eldoret Remand Prison until October 27, when she plans to announce her judgment.
