Embu County is preparing to take legal action against Mombasa County following its recent decision to ban the sale, supply, and consumption of muguka, a stimulant drug derived from khat.
This move comes in the wake of a similar ban enforced by Kilifi County.
In a statement released on Friday, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire announced plans to go to court to safeguard the economic interests of her community.
She emphasized that the muguka trade generates approximately Ksh.22 billion annually for Embu, significantly impacting local livelihoods.
Governor Mbarire urged muguka farmers to remain calm, assuring them that her administration is committed to resolving the issue through legal channels.
“The muguka value chain is vital to our economy, contributing around Ksh.22 billion each year. Those involved in this sector face significant financial losses due to these bans,” Mbarire stated.
She highlighted that both the Embu County Government and the County Assembly have engaged legal teams to seek judicial guidance.
“We are taking legal steps to challenge these bans and protect our farmers’ interests,” she added.
Mbarire pointed out that muguka, like miraa, is derived from the khat plant and thus should not be treated differently under the law.
“Muguka is essentially a variety of miraa, containing the same active ingredient, cathinone. Legally, there is no distinction between miraa and muguka, and both are recognized under the same crop classification, Catha edulis,” she explained.
Addressing health concerns, Mbarire insisted that muguka is not considered a drug in Kenya and remains legal.
“There is no legislation prohibiting the sale or consumption of muguka,” she asserted.
The governor criticized Mombasa’s decision, especially since the two counties had previously engaged in discussions to regulate the muguka trade.
“This ban comes despite our recent meeting with Mombasa’s Governor and County Assembly members on May 15, 2024, where we agreed to form a joint working team to address trade regulations and concerns,” Mbarire noted.
Mbarire also highlighted the broader economic implications of the ban, stressing that muguka is a significant source of income for many families across various communities in Kenya.
“Muguka trade involves people from Embu, Meru, and Central Kenya as farmers, middlemen, and transporters. Its prohibition will severely impact their livelihoods,” she warned.
Muguka trade contributes about Ksh.1 million daily to Mombasa’s economy through transport levies alone, underscoring the economic importance of the crop beyond Embu County.
