Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has strongly opposed the proposed Anti-Muguka Bill sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, warning that the legislation could devastate the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in her county.
If passed and assented to by President William Ruto, the bill seeks to outlaw Muguka, a variant of the khat plant (Catha edulis), which is widely grown in Embu County. Governor Mbarire condemned the bill, calling it discriminatory for targeting Muguka while excluding Miraa, a closely related stimulant also derived from khat.
Speaking in Mbeere South Constituency, Mbarire accused proponents of the bill of harboring ill intentions aimed at undermining the economic backbone of Embu. “This bill reads of malice and discrimination,” she said. “Muguka and Miraa are from the same plant family. Outlawing one and not the other is unjust and in bad taste.”
The governor highlighted the significant role Muguka plays in sustaining families and boosting the county’s economy. She emphasized that no credible scientific research has proven that Muguka is harmful, calling for an independent investigation by the Government Chemist to shed light on the alleged negative effects.
“As far as we are concerned, Muguka is a good crop. There is no research proving otherwise,” she said, urging the national government to support evidence-based policymaking.
Mbarire appealed directly to President Ruto, requesting him not to sign the bill into law if it makes it past Parliament. “We ask the President not to be embarrassed to stand with us on this issue,” she said. “This crop feeds our people.”
She also accused MP Owen Baya of attempting to sabotage the livelihoods of Embu residents. “We have declared war on the MP. We will not allow him to kill our economy,” she asserted defiantly.
Backing the governor’s stance, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji and ward representatives from Muguka-growing areas in Mbeere North and South have voiced their support, pledging to resist any attempts to criminalize the crop.
The unfolding debate highlights deepening divisions between regions dependent on Muguka farming and coastal counties pushing for its ban due to concerns over youth addiction and social decay.
