North Eastern leaders call for nationwide muguka ban

Prominent Kenyan leaders, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale and Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, want a comprehensive, nationwide ban on muguka, a variant of miraa (khat), which has raised concerns following many cases of addiction.

The two stressed on Sunday that the fight against drug abuse should be comprehensive and non-selective, covering all of the country's regions.

"Before the story of the muguka ban emerged, there was already a national conversation on drug abuse, spearheaded by the Deputy President [Rigathi Gachagua]," Duale said in his address at the official opening of the Humanity Growth and Development Agency Education Trust WAQF Tower in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

"He convened a leaders' conference in Central Kenya and the Rift Valley, bringing together political and religious leaders to address alcohol abuse and various drugs. We cannot be selective in this war against muguka and miraa; if we are fighting alcohol, we must also fight muguka."

Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale addresses guests on June 2, 2024, during the opening of the HGDA WAQF Tower 2 in Eastleigh South Ward, Nairobi, by the Humanity Growth and Development Agency Education Trust. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

Duale further noted that Kenyans from diverse backgrounds agree on the harmful effects of muguka.

"Kenya is united, so we must collectively combat muguka. The Deputy President should [call] leaders from North Eastern Kenya to a conference to discuss the severe impacts of this drug," he said.

The CS reiterated remarks he issued on Saturday, calling for the prohibition of both miraa and muguka due to associated health risks and reiterating the Kenya Kwanza government's commitment to combating drug abuse.

In May 2023, the National Authority for the Campaign against Drug Abuse (NACADA) classified miraa as a drug, with a survey report listing it among the top drugs and substances of abuse among 15- to 65-year-olds, with more than 960,000 users.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) classified miraa as a drug of abuse in 1980, noting its potential to cause dependence. Countries that have banned miraa include the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif addresses guests on June 2, 2024, during the opening of the HGDA WAQF Tower 2 in Eastleigh South Ward, Nairobi, by the Humanity Growth and Development Agency Education Trust. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

Mandera's stance

In his speech, Governor Mohamed termed arguments in favour of muguka as a cash crop relied upon by many as a harmful misconception.

"We complain daily about unemployment among our youth and struggling businesses, much of which is attributed to the misuse of drugs like muguka. In Mandera, we stand firm against it and will involve all stakeholders in this fight, including those who sell the drug," he said.

Joining the call, Nominated Member of Parliament Sulekha Harun highlighted the detrimental impact of muguka on the youth, urging all leaders to unite against it.

"We stand with the people of the Coast in this fight, as we are among the largest consumers. I urge all governors of Northern Kenya to speak out, ban muguka, and stand up for our communities."

Garissa Woman Representative Amina Udgoon Siyad addresses guests on June 2, 2024, during the opening of the HGDA WAQF Tower 2 in Eastleigh South Ward, Nairobi, by the Humanity Growth and Development Agency Education Trust. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

The event saw similar sentiments echoed by other leaders from North Eastern Kenya, including members of parliament and woman representatives, all calling for a unified and comprehensive approach to tackling drug abuse across the nation.

Thus far, President William Ruto has nullified muguka bans by Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties, and asked Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi to call a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss key issues.

These counties' leaders, Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Gideon Mung'aro, and Andrew Mwadime, have agreed to the talks.

Kwale County said it would not ban the stimulant and instead increased the charge per truck ferrying the crop into the county from Sh10,000 to Sh300,000, but local leaders say this is not enough and have called for a ban.

In Garissa, both political and religious leaders have called for a ban on muguka, for the same reasons.