The debate on the ban of Muguka in several counties has taken a twist after Kilifi North Member of Parliament (MP) Owen Baya filed a notice to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula seeking to reclassify the drug.
Baya, according to his notice, is seeking to delete a clause in the Crops Act 2022 which had classified miraa (Khat) as a scheduled crop with no breeding program.
In his notice, MP Baya- who is also the Deputy Majority Leader in the National Assembly, argued that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2022 classifies muguka and miraa as psychotropic substances.
According to him, the difference between miraa and muguka is in the level of Cathinone and Cathine substances which are higher in Muguka. As such, he contends that Miraa should not be classified as a scheduled crop as it contains “harmful substance”.
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“The difference between muguka and miraa is in the levels of cathine and cathinone which are higher in muguka, therefore, miraa should not be specified as a scheduled crop as it contains harmful substances,” said the Deputy Majority leader in the notice.
MP Baya on Muguka Ban
MP Baya in his argument said that the introduction of the amendment will bring more control on production and consumption of the substance.
He said that the amendment will help minimize the profound impact on society caused by the drug.
“This way, the dignity of our society and country as a whole will be restored. The quality of life will improve, healthcare costs will go down, violence among families will decrease, our economy will improve as money will be used on economically productive purchase, and security will be restored,” reads the notice.
The lawmaker in his argument stressed that the well-being of the youth is under threat from drug and substance abuse, adding that muguka is one of the drugs substances that are being highly abused by the youth in Kenya.
MP Baya at the same time said that studies show that higher crime rates and anti-social behaviors are associated with the addictive drug.
“Muguka or miraa is one of the drugs highly abused by the youth and studies show that crime rates and anti-social behaviors are significantly higher after initiation of the substance use,” said Baya.
Effects of Muguka
On the other hand, the Deputy majority leader said that muguka is a drug that creates psychological dependence in people.
According to him, the addictive substance can lead to health-related problems such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, manic behavior, paranoia, lack of sleep, and psychosis among others.
Furthermore, the lawmaker cited that the drug is a threat to the economy of Kenya due to the dire effects of reduced work rates.
“It also causes harm to the economy through loss in production as a result of laziness and absenteeism and when people try to stop chewing it, they experience serious withdrawal,” he added.
The deputy majority leader, however, noted that the proposed Bill will not contain any provision limiting any fundamental right or freedom.
Boya’s notice comes following the ban of muguka in Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta Counties.
The ban which sparked outrage and debate among leaders caught the attention of President William Ruto who overruled the bans.
Ruto said that the stimulants are classified as cash crops while adding that he has convened a meeting of all stakeholders to be led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
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