Suspect in Sh5m bhang case denies charge as State opposes bail

• Bhang worth Sh5m found hidden in vehicle along Nakuru-Nairobi Highway. [Fred Kagonye, Standard]

A man has denied trafficking bhang worth Sh5 million at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) court.

Joseph Mokua Mogeni alias James Mokua Otara denied one charge of trafficking cannabis sativa before JKIA Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku on June 18, 2025.

Mogeni was arrested by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit on June 9 after his vehicle was intercepted in the Match area within Kiambu County, along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.

A search of his vehicle showed that he had carried cannabis weighing 168.3 kilos with an estimated value of Sh5 million.

The narcotics were packed inside six gunny bags.

He was first brought to court on June 10, where police sought more time to hold him as they continue with investigations, an application that was allowed by SPM Njeri.

Mogeni, through his lawyer, sought to be freed on bail, an application that was heavily opposed by State Prosecutor Paula Rono.

The investigating officer, through Rono, told SPM Njeri that Mogeni is a habitual offender, given that he is facing a similar case at the Nakuru Law Courts.

The magistrate directed probation officers to prepare a pre-bail report and present it to her before June 30, when the matter will be mentioned and a pre-trial conference will be held.