Embu: The Senate Standing Committee on Security, Defence and Foreign Relations held a public participation forum with muguka farmers and traders from Embu County over a proposed bill aimed at declassifying miraa/muguka as drugs. The forum, which took place at Kiritiri Market in Mbeere South Constituency, sought public input on the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill 2024, sponsored by Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bill proposes to remove Cathinone and Cathine, compounds found in miraa/muguka, from the list of drugs as categorized by NACADA, effectively removing it from the list of narcotics. Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, a vocal opponent of the muguka ban, hosted the event, emphasizing the bill's importance for the economic well-being of thousands of farmers reliant on the crop.
The classification of muguka as a drug has sparked significant opposition from farmers and traders across Embu County, particularly in the Mbeere South and North Constituencies, where it is predominantly cultivated. Farmers expressed their concerns, arguing that the negative portrayal of muguka lacks scientific evidence and harms their economic prospects. Jerevasio Kothe, Chair of the Mbeere-Embu Muguka Cooperative Society, stated, "For us, Muguka is not just a stimulant but a way of life."
Experts from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and the National Museums of Kenya shared their findings at the forum, highlighting the genetic similarity between Muguka and Miraa, attributed mainly to regional climate differences. Loise Ngithi, a researcher from the National Museums of Kenya, noted, "Muguka contains Cathinone and Cathine just like Miraa. Scientifically, there is no significant difference between the two - they are essentially the same plant." They also suggested potential health benefits of the stimulants, citing studies on their role in managing psychotic disorders and boosting immunity.
Senator Murungi committed to advancing the bill to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and traders dependent on muguka. The Committee, led by Chair Senator Fatuma Dullo, promised to review all submissions and provide a report with recommendations in due course.