Kilifi MP Withdraws Controversial Bill Targeting Muguka After Talks with DP Kindiki

 

By Atieno Sysvoline

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has officially withdrawn a contentious bill that sought to remove muguka from the list of scheduled crops in Kenya, following high-level discussions with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and elected leaders from Embu County.

The proposed legislation had aimed to classify muguka—a variant of miraa—as a narcotic, citing its active chemical compounds, cathinone and cathine, which are known for their stimulant effects. The bill also proposed separating muguka from miraa, raising alarms among farmers and stakeholders in the miraa-growing regions of Eastern Kenya.

“Hon. Baya has graciously accepted to drop his legislative proposal that was made on muguka,” announced Deputy President Kindiki during a joint press briefing, describing the outcome as a win for agricultural stability and economic livelihood in the region.

Muguka farming is a critical source of income for thousands of households in Embu and surrounding counties. The proposed delisting had sparked intense public debate, with many Kenyans lauding Kindiki’s swift intervention as a defense of local farmers’ interests.

“This is a win for Embu farmers. Muguka is their lifeline,” one supporter posted on social media, celebrating the withdrawal.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some critics questioned the political motivations behind the move, calling it a calculated maneuver. “It’s like setting a fire and putting it out to look like a hero,” one commenter noted.

Supporters of the original bill, including public health advocates, argue that muguka use—particularly among the youth—is contributing to increased idleness and social problems. They maintain that the health risks associated with the stimulant should not be overlooked in favor of political expediency.

For now, muguka remains protected under the Crops Act, ensuring that it continues to be treated as a legal cash crop. However, the controversy has revealed deeper national divisions over the balance between economic interests and public health.

June 04, 2025