A video showing young supporters of the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), openly smoking weed in the presence of senior police officers has sparked heated debate online.
The clip, which has been widely circulated across social media platforms, captures a group of charged-up youths at what appears to be a political rally linked to the party.
In the footage, the young men can be seen casually puffing on what appears to be weed while standing just a short distance away from police officers and a senior police boss.
What has particularly stunned many viewers is the apparent lack of concern from the youths, who seemed completely unbothered as they smoked the substance in full view of the security personnel.
The video has since triggered a frenzy online, with many Kenyans questioning why the police did not intervene or take any action despite witnessing the alleged illegal activity.
Under Kenyan law, marijuana remains illegal and classified as a prohibited narcotic under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act.
Over the years, many people across the country have been arrested and prosecuted not only for smoking bhang but also for being in possession of even small quantities of the substance.
Because of this, the viral video has left many citizens wondering whether the police were being selective in the enforcement of the law.
Some netizens questioned why ordinary Kenyans are often arrested for similar offences while the youths in the video appeared to act with total impunity in front of law enforcement officers.
One user wrote:
“If this was in the estate or a random street, those boys would already be in a police cell. Why were the officers just watching?”
Another added:
“Police arrest people daily for bhang possession. But here it is being smoked openly in front of them and nothing happens. Is the law only for some people?”
Others accused the authorities of applying the law inconsistently, arguing that the incident highlighted double standards in the way certain offences are handled.
“The law should be applied equally. You cannot arrest one person today for bhang and ignore others doing it publicly,” another commenter wrote.
However, not everyone condemned the youths in the video.
A section of social media users instead used the moment to push for a broader conversation about the legalisation of marijuana in Kenya.
Some argued that the continued criminalization of bhang is outdated and that the country should consider legalising and regulating it, as several countries around the world have already done.
“Maybe it’s time Kenya had an honest conversation about legalising marijuana,” one netizen commented.
Another wrote:
“People should be allowed to smoke marijuana without pressure. Criminalising it has not stopped anyone.”
Others went further, suggesting that the government could benefit economically if the substance were legalized and taxed.
“Instead of arresting young people, Kenya could legalise it and create jobs and tax revenue,” another commenter suggested.
Despite the divided opinions, the viral video has reignited debate about drug laws, policing, and the perceived selective enforcement of regulations.
As the discussion continues to rage online, many Kenyans are calling for clarity from authorities regarding how such incidents are handled and whether the law is being applied fairly across the board.
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