Mombasa MPs demand total ban of miraa, muguka

Lawmakers from the coastal region are sparking controversy by demanding a complete ban on miraa and muguka, citing concerns over their classification as drugs. The call, led by six Mombasa County legislators, signals a potential clash with their Meru counterparts, who heavily rely on the stimulant crops for livelihoods.

The MPs assert that Miraa and Muguka’s detrimental effects outweigh their economic value, emphasizing the need to categorize them as drugs under the law. Despite the pivotal role Miraa plays in Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings, worth over Sh50 billion since the resumption of exports to Somalia, the coastal lawmakers stress the urgent need to address the social consequences of their consumption.

Their demand, they insist, transcends politics, focusing solely on safeguarding the well-being of Kenyans, particularly the youth, who they claim are increasingly drawn into criminal activities due to the influence of these stimulants. With tensions rising and calls for intervention growing louder, the debate surrounding Miraa and Muguka’s fate continues to divide opinion and shape the nation’s economic and social landscape.