Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has strongly opposed a proposed bill seeking to delist Muguka from the list of scheduled crops, warning it would devastate the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in her county.
The Anti-Muguka Bill, sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, aims to exclude the herbal stimulant from official crop classification, removing government support and protections. If passed and signed into law, it could deal a severe blow to Embu’s economy.
Speaking in Mbeere South, Governor Mbarire criticized the bill as discriminatory, arguing that Muguka and Miraa are both variants of the khat plant and should be treated equally.
She accused the bill’s sponsor of targeting Embu farmers and undermining their main source of income.
“This bill is malicious. Outlawing Muguka while leaving Miraa intact is unfair and in bad taste,” she said.
Mbarire urged the government to commission independent research through the Government Chemist to clarify any alleged health concerns tied to Muguka.
“As far as we’re concerned, no scientific study has shown that Muguka is harmful,” she added.
The governor also made a direct appeal to President William Ruto, asking him to reject the bill even if it passes through Parliament. “We urge the President to stand with us. Muguka is a vital crop for our people.”
She further accused the bill’s author of attempting to sabotage Embu’s economy, declaring, “We’ve declared political war on the MP. We won’t sit back as he tries to kill our livelihoods.”
