Kilifi North MP Owen Baya withdraws controversial Muguka Bill after DP Kindiki meeting
The Deputy President confirmed that the withdrawal followed consultations with stakeholders from Embu, where muguka farming supports thousands of livelihoods.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has withdrawn a controversial Bill that sought to delist muguka from the list of scheduled crops under Kenyan law, following a meeting with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and leaders from Embu County.
In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the Deputy President confirmed that the withdrawal followed consultations with stakeholders from Embu, where muguka farming supports thousands of livelihoods.
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“Following a request from Embu County elected leaders, the Deputy President met MP Owen Baya, sponsor of the Private Member’s Bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (muguka) from the schedule to the Crops Act,” Kindiki said.
“Baya has graciously agreed to withdraw his legislative proposal.”
The Bill, which proposed changes to the Crops Act, Cap 318, aimed to separate muguka from miraa (khat) and exclude it from the list of scheduled crops.
Under the Crops Act, scheduled crops benefit from legal protection, regulation, certification, and national support.
Had it passed, the amendment would have removed these protections from muguka, giving counties the power to restrict or ban the crop without national oversight.
This would have affected farmers in areas like Embu, where muguka is a key part of the local economy.
The proposal came amid growing tensions between coastal and eastern counties over the trade in muguka. Counties such as Mombasa and Kilifi have been pushing for restrictions, citing public health and social concerns.
In 2024, President William Ruto opposed attempts by county governors to ban muguka and miraa, stating that both are legally recognised crops and must be treated under national law.
DP Kindiki’s meeting with Baya followed wider discussions with Embu leaders, including Governor Cecily Mbarire and County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi. The talks focused on agricultural support and development priorities in the region.
“Our dialogue with county leaders aims to harmonise development priorities and support agricultural livelihoods. Embu is a key player in national production chains,” said the Deputy President.
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