There has been a recent heated debate on the Muguuka and Miraa plant by leaders from the coast and Mt Kenya region after Mombasa County hiked the tax of Muguuka and Miraa.
Mombasa County MP Zamzam Mohammed has called out on Mombasa leadership and the whole County security team to do a massive crackdown on the region to apprehend users and sellers of drugs.
Mombasa County Woman Representative, Hon. Zamzam Mohamed Chimba, has firmly reiterated her unwavering stance against the use of Muguuka and the unregulated consumption of Miraa in Mombasa County. She has pledged to tirelessly advocate for the residents of Mombasa, aiming to combat the proliferation of Muguuka and enforce stringent regulations on Miraa.
While addressing members of the press in Parliament, Zamzam raised concern about the rising numbers of rehabilitation centers in Mombasa County and the large amounts of money being set aside to establish more rehabs.
“Muguka chewing has become a serious issue in our community, contributing to increased rates of addiction, domestic violence, and poor health,” Hon. Zamzam asserted.
She added, “We need to take decisive action as leaders and the county security team to protect our people, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of this substance and let it be on record that Mombasa is not a rehabilitation center where the only booming business or investment one can think of is a rehab center.”
According to the County MP, Muguuka, a leafy green plant commonly chewed for its stimulant effects, is widely used in Mombasa regions of Kenya. While it is legal and a source of income for many farmers, its consumption has been linked to various health and social problems, with the plant being grown widely in Embu, where the species is known as ‘Catha edulis’
She has, however, urged the governor to stand firm and end the usage of muguuka completely in Mombasa, but she has also urged for regulations on Miraa usage in the county, as she recommends that regulations be put in place to help those affected by muguuka addiction.
“We cannot simply ban Muguuka without offering alternatives, and we don’t have rehabilitation programs in Mombasa since the more we have rehab centers in Mombasa, the more we are advocating for the usage and abuse of drugs in educational campaigns and economic support for farmers who depend on Khat cultivation for their livelihoods,” Zamzam notes.
The proposed ban has sparked a heated debate within the county, with some residents and local leaders supporting the County MP stance. In contrast, others argue that banning Muguuka would harm the local economy and infringe on cultural practices.
“I understand the concerns of those who rely on Muguuka for their income. I’ll advise them to use that land for the growth of cash crops however, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our community. I am committed to working with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.” A section of leaders from the Embu and Meru regions say that the region fully depends on Muguuka and therefore calls for Mombasa County to reduce the amount being paid as tax to the county.
In the meantime, the County MP has urged residents to engage in an open dialogue and consider the long-term benefits of a Khat-free county. The Mombasa County government is expected to hold public consultations on the proposed ban in the coming weeks.
She has also called upon the governor to take a strong stand and work towards completely eradicating Muguuka usage in the county.
“I am urging my governor, and this is not a fight of supremacy but changing the lives of our people for the future generation, and we shall at all times implement regulations and controls on Miraa consumption, right from the county to the national platform. This is my dire commitment to this cause, and I remain steadfast as I continue to champion the health and well-being of the community.”
