Embu County Challenges Mombasa’s Muguka Ban in Court
The Embu County government is preparing to challenge Mombasa County’s recent ban on the sale, supply, and consumption of the stimulant drug khat, known locally as muguka, in court.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, responding shortly after Kilifi County enacted a similar ban, announced on Friday that she would take legal action to safeguard her community’s livelihoods, which generate about Ksh.22 billion annually from muguka sales.
She urged muguka farmers to stay calm as her administration works to address the issue.
Governor Mbarire highlighted that the muguka industry contributes around Ksh.22 billion annually to Embu’s economy, emphasizing the potential revenue and livelihood losses for farmers and others involved in the value chain.
“The County Government of Embu and County Assembly of Embu have engaged legal teams to seek court guidance. I encourage muguka farmers and stakeholders to remain calm while we pursue solutions,” Mbarire stated.
She referenced the legal protection for miraa, another form of khat, as a cash crop in Kenya, arguing that muguka, also derived from the khat plant, should not be treated differently.
Mbarire stressed that muguka, similar in taste and active ingredient to miraa, is not classified as a drug and is legally permissible in the country.
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“Muguka is a type of Miraa with the same active ingredient, cathinone. Both crops are khat varieties, legally recognized under Catha edulis. No law distinguishes miraa from muguka or prohibits their sale or consumption. Therefore, muguka is not considered a drug,” she clarified.
Mbarire criticized Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir for the ban, despite prior discussions aimed at regulating muguka trade and resolving related issues.
“We met with the Mombasa Governor and Assembly members on May 15, 2024, forming a joint team to ensure trade regulation compliance and address Mombasa’s concerns,” she explained.
Governor Mbarire emphasized that muguka is a significant business across the Mt. Kenya region and beyond, affecting many communities’ incomes if banned.
“Muguka trade is multi-ethnic, with Embu people primarily as farmers and Meru and Central region individuals as middlemen and transporters. A ban would severely impact their revenue and livelihoods,” she noted.
She added that the Muguka value chain contributes about Ksh.1 million daily to Mombasa’s economy through transport levies.
Embu County Challenges Mombasa’s Muguka Ban in Court