Shadrack Wambui attracted national attention when he decided to represent Rastafari Society of Kenya (RSK) in a case seeking to legalize bhang in the country.
Rastafarians are seeking court orders for the country to legalize use of marijuana for religious purposes.
The group of Rastafarians is also seeking to block the arrest and prosecution of its members over use of cannabis which is a special plant to them.
The society wants to legalize smoking bhang as a form of worship and Shadrack Wambui is arguing their case in court.
Many people would like to believe that Wambui is being paid millions to represent Rastafarians but it’s more of a pro bono case for him.
Wambui is paid his legal fees by the Rastafari Society of Kenya in peanuts, peanut butter, honey and akala – sandals made with car tyre.
“My heart melted with joy for I know appreciation is better than silver and gold. This act of gratitude from the Rastafari Society of Kenya is the highest pay I have received since I started practicing law for a living,” Wambui told the Star.
As a lawyer representing the less privileged, Wambui doesn’t get to choose what he is paid as his clients are marginalised.
“I did not have the option of choosing peanuts, peanut butter, honey and akala. My clients are a marginalised community with limited income as they face stigma and sometimes open rejection,” said Wambui.
He further added that;
“Nobody wants to be associated with Rasta. The government has declared illegal what would be a multimillion industry for these groups. I just accept what they are capable of giving me or us the members of Sheria Mtaani.”
Wambui runs a non-governmental organization called Sheria Mtaani which is based in his childhood home of Mathare slums. Sheria Mtaani is meant to assist those who are oppressed and are financially disadvantaged.
The young lawyer doesn’t discriminate against his clients, he gives both rich and poor a chance after considering the facts and circumstances of their case.
Wambui pursued law because of his dislike for the injustices perpetrated against residents of Mathare slums, in most cases committed by law enforcement officers.
“My mother sold chang’aa. The police would pour out our source of livelihood, beat us up, treat us with contempt and yet again, extrajudicially kill our friends and loved ones. I have a very disturbing past but I am grateful I came to terms with it.”
Getting paid in peanut butter, honey and sandals was not the first time Wambui received such as his legal fee instead of cash.
“I recall a client sending Danstan Omari and me a bag of lemons in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The client in Eldoret wanted to be sure we were well equipped to fight the virus and safeguard her interests,” said Wambui.
Related: Rastafarian man gets admitted into the bar making history
