Mbeere North MP censures coastal leaders over muguka stance

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku has criticised coastal leaders' stance on the call to ban muguka, a stimulant that is a variant of miraa (khat), terming it "flawed and lacking in integrity."

In a June 5 letter to the Coast Parliamentary Group, made up of governors of the counties that make up the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani economic bloc, he asked them to reconsider their refusal to attend a consultative forum on emerging issues in the miraa and muguka industry.

The six governors in the economic bloc are Governors Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (Mombasa), Gideon Mung'aro (Kilifi), Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Dhadho Gaddae Godhana (Tana River), and Issa Timamy (Lamu).

Ruku cited concerns about muguka's classification as an illicit drug under the Narcotics, Drugs, and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994.

"I note that your stated basis for declining the invitation was that you view muguka as an illicit drug as provided in the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 4 of 1994 (sic) and not as a cash crop under the Crops Act," Ruku said

'Your view of muguka as an illicit drug is flawed and smacks of a lack of integrity, dishonesty, and advocacy for hatred against the Mbeere people."

The MP went on to emphasise the legal classification of muguka, stating, "A cursory perusal of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act reveals that muguka is neither included in the List of Narcotic Drugs of the First Schedule, nor is it included in the List of Psychotropic Substances of the Second Schedule, nor is it included in the List of Prohibited Plants of the Third Schedule."

Muguka on sale in Eastleigh, Nairobi, in this file picture. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

Highlighting the importance of legislative recognition and protection, the MP further noted that "Article 11(3) of the Constitution demands legislative recognition and protection of the ownership of muguka as an indigenous plant variety, its genetic and diverse characteristics, and its use by the communities of Kenya."

In May 2023, however, the National Authority for the Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA) classified miraa as a drug, with then-CEO Victor Okioma noting that it "is responsible for many substance use disorders."

"There are people who are in rehabilitation centres for the use of miraa. However, the most problematic khat is the type known as muguka," he said.

"The position of NACADA is that miraa is harmful and muguka is even more harmful. This is why we are discouraging the expansion of markets and are against attempts to process it into juices and wine."

The Mbeere North MP further urged the coastal leaders to attend the consultative forum, which President William Ruto asked Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi to hold, stressing the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the matter.

Ruku also called on Linturi to hold the meeting of all stakeholders despite the absence of coastal leaders.

The minister has made his own appeal to the coastal governors, asking them to embrace dialogue. He said he was concerned that the talks set for Thursday would fail after the leaders vowed to skip them.

"It is only through dialogue with all actors that we will find a lasting solution to the concerns raised. The platform will also enable us to agree on how the existing legislation will be implemented to the letter," Linturi said.

Earlier, the coastal governors accused Linturi of backing Embu and Meru traders, as he hails from the Mt. Kenya region.

The muguka debate came after Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi counties banned its entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use within their counties.

President Ruto then nullified the ban, citing the Crops Act of 2013 and the Miraa Regulations of 2023, which were passed by the National Assembly with the backing of the Council of Governors.