Narok Law Courts: Pascal Chacha Gets 50 Years for Bhang Trafficking

• Pascal Chacha was convicted at the Narok Law Courts for trafficking 47.3 kilograms of bhang.
• He received a sentence of 50 years in prison or a Sh 50 million fine.
• The drugs, valued at Sh 1.4 million, were being transported in a PSV matatu on February 10, 2025.
• The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions secured the conviction using a plea bargain with the matatu driver.
• Chief Magistrate Hezron Nyaberi cited the substantial quantity of cannabis as an aggravating factor for the deterrent sentence.

This case, involving Pascal Chacha and the trafficking of 47kg of bhang, sets a strong precedent for severe sentencing in Kenya for large-scale drug trafficking, particularly involving cannabis sativa.

Pascal Chacha has received a substantial sentence from the Narok Law Courts following his conviction for drug trafficking. The court imposed a penalty of either 50 years in prison or a fine of Sh 50 million after finding him guilty of transporting a significant quantity of bhang. This ruling underscores the judiciary's firm stance against illicit drug activities within the region.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on February 10, 2025, when Chacha, along with others, was apprehended while trafficking 47.3 kilogrammes of cannabis. The illicit substance, valued at approximately Sh 1.4 million, was being transported in a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) matatu. Authorities intercepted the vehicle along the Narok-Suswa Road, specifically in the Ntulele area of Narok East Sub-County, leading to Chacha's arrest and subsequent prosecution.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) played a pivotal role in securing the conviction against Pascal Chacha. The prosecution team, which included Assistant Director Gitonga Muranga, Principal Prosecution Counsel James Kigo, and Prosecution Counsel Leone Wandera, successfully utilized a plea bargain agreement. This strategic move involved the matatu driver, who was transporting the drugs, agreeing to cooperate and provide evidence, subsequently becoming a state witness in the case.

Chief Magistrate Hezron Nyaberi presided over the proceedings and delivered the stringent sentence. In his deliberation, the Magistrate specifically identified the substantial volume of cannabis involved—47.3 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa—as a critical aggravating factor. The court emphasized that such a large quantity warranted a severe, deterrent sentence to reflect the gravity of the offense and its potential harm to society.

The court's decision to impose a 50-year prison term or a hefty Sh 50 million fine sends a clear message regarding the consequences of large-scale drug trafficking in Kenya. Chief Magistrate Nyaberi articulated that the sentencing considered not only the specific circumstances of Chacha's offense but also the broader imperative to safeguard the public from the detrimental effects of drug-related crimes. This ruling highlights the judiciary's commitment to combating the illicit drug trade.

The ODPP further reinforced this perspective, noting that the conveyance of such a significant amount of bhang was a major factor in the court's determination of a deterrent punishment. This case, involving Pascal Chacha and the trafficking of 47kg of bhang, sets a strong precedent for severe sentencing in Kenya for large-scale drug trafficking, particularly involving cannabis sativa. It underscores that individuals involved in such activities, especially those utilizing public transport, face considerable legal repercussions, including lengthy imprisonment.

This case sets a strong precedent for severe sentencing in Kenya for large-scale drug trafficking, particularly involving cannabis sativa. Lawyers should advise clients on the increased risks and potential for lengthy imprisonment, even with plea bargains, when significant quantities of narcotics are involved. Compliance officers in the transport sector should note the heightened scrutiny and potential for state witness cooperation in cases involving public service vehicles.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM Kenya.