By Murugi Ndwiga
The Senate Committee on National Security on Friday 13 June held a public participation forum in Kiritiri, Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County to hear the concerns of Muguka farmers over the controversial classification of the stimulant as a drug under the NACADA Act.
The event sparked passionate debate over the future of Muguka farming, with calls from leaders and scientists urging lawmakers to reconsider the listing of Muguka as a narcotic.
Muguka, a variety of Catha edulis, contains the stimulant cathinone, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance similar to amphetamines.
It has been under fire following recommendations by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to list it as a controlled substance, a move that has triggered uproar among farmers and stakeholders in Embu and Mbeere regions who depend on it for their livelihood.
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Mbeere South MP Nebert Muriuki voiced strong support for Muguka farmers, calling on the Senate to intervene. “We must protect this crop and our people’s livelihoods. The issue is not Muguka, but the misuse of it when mixed with other drugs,” Muriuki said, urging users to consume Muguka responsibly.
Farmers Push Back
Farmers in the region took to the forum to express their frustrations, arguing that the vilification of Muguka is both unfounded and economically damaging. They appealed to the Senate to reject the proposed legislation and delist Muguka from NACADA’s classification as a harmful substance.
“For us, Muguka is more than a stimulant, it is a way of life,” one farmer said. “It gives us energy, improves our health, and supports our families.” Other farmers who spoke DC during the forum, claimed Muguka helps regulate blood sugar and curb obesity, assertions that reflect the depth of local belief in the crop’s benefits.
Cultural leaders also emphasized Muguka’s indigenous roots, linking it to the preservation of Embu and Mbeere heritage.
Science Weighs In
Experts from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and the National Museums of Kenya presented findings during the forum indicating that Muguka and Miraa (also Catha edulis) are genetically similar, with only minor differences due to regional climate variations.
“Muguka contains cathinone and cathine just like Miraa. Scientifically, there is no significant difference in the two — they are essentially the same plant,” said Loise Ngithi, a researcher from the National Museums of Kenya.
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Kelvin Nthiga Muchangi of KARLO added that Muguka has potential pharmaceutical applications. “Our studies show that Muguka may help in managing psychotic disorders and strengthening immunity, findings we first observed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he noted.
He emphasized the need for value addition, proposing Muguka-based products like health beverages, wines, and medicinal extracts.
Leadership in Attendance
The forum, hosted by Embu Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi, was chaired by Senate Deputy Speaker and Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi.
Other members of the Senate Security Committee present included Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku, and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
The Senate committee pledged to review all submissions and provide a report with recommendations. “We have heard the science, we have heard the people. We will deliberate carefully before making a decision that affects both health and livelihoods,” said Senator Murungi.
The fate of Muguka now lies with the Senate, which will determine whether the stimulant remains on NACADA’s drug list or is reclassified as a legal crop under Kenya’s Crops Act.