Embu, Kenya| Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has emerged as a staunch defender of Muguka, a stimulant crop central to the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in Embu County, as she successfully lobbied against a proposed parliamentary bill that sought to ban it.
The Anti-Muguka Bill, sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, aimed to remove Muguka (scientifically known as Catha edulis) from the list of scheduled crops under the Crops Act, a move that could have devastated the region’s agricultural economy.
Following intense discussions and interventions, the bill’s proponent has agreed to withdraw the legislation, marking a significant victory for Muguka farmers.
Background of the Controversy
Muguka, a variety of the Catha edulis plant, is widely cultivated in Embu County and is a critical source of income for local farmers.
Unlike its cousin, Miraa, Muguka is consumed primarily in coastal and urban areas of Kenya, where it has a significant market.
However, the crop has faced growing scrutiny due to concerns over its stimulant properties and alleged health impacts, prompting calls for regulation or outright bans in some regions.
The Anti-Muguka Bill, introduced by MP Owen Baya, sought to delist Muguka from the Crops Act, effectively stripping it of legal recognition as a scheduled agricultural crop.
If passed and assented to by President William Ruto, the bill would have restricted its cultivation, sale, and distribution, threatening the economic stability of Embu’s farming communities.
Governor Mbarire, a vocal advocate for the region’s agricultural sector, fiercely opposed the legislation, arguing that no scientific evidence has been presented to justify a ban.
“As far as we are concerned, Muguka is a good crop because no research has been done to state otherwise,” Mbarire declared, emphasizing the lack of empirical data linking Muguka to adverse health or social effects.
She urged President Ruto to reject the bill, highlighting its potential to dismantle a vital economic lifeline for thousands of families in Embu.
High-Level Interventions and Dialogue
The push to protect Muguka culminated in a series of high-level meetings involving key political figures.
On June 4, 2025, Governor Mbarire, accompanied by Embu County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi, met with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Karen, Nairobi, to discuss the issue alongside other development priorities for the county.
The agenda included the status of the Embu Ultra Modern Market, the Affordable Housing project, and Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets in Makutano, Ishiara, Karurumo, and Runyenjes. However, the Muguka Amendment Bill took center stage, given its far-reaching implications.
During the meeting, Mbarire reiterated the importance of Muguka to Embu’s economy and pressed for interventions to safeguard the crop.
Deputy President Kindiki, recognizing the concerns of Embu’s elected leaders, facilitated further discussions with MP Owen Baya, the bill’s sponsor.
In a subsequent statement issued on June 4, Kindiki confirmed that Baya had agreed to withdraw the legislative proposal following consultations.
“Following the request from Embu County elected leaders, I met the MP Owen Baya, sponsor of the private member’s bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (Muguka) from the Schedule to the Crops Act. Baya has graciously accepted to drop his legislative proposal,” Kindiki stated.
A Victory for Embu Farmers
The withdrawal of the Anti-Muguka Bill has been hailed as a significant win for Embu’s agricultural community.
In a statement, Governor Mbarire expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that led to this outcome, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to supporting farmers.
“We deeply appreciate the collective efforts that led to this outcome and reassure our farmers of our continued commitment to protecting their interests and supporting them through various initiatives aimed at enhancing the agriculture sector,” she said.
The decision ensures that Muguka remains a legally recognized crop, preserving the livelihoods of farmers who rely on its cultivation and trade.
The crop is a cornerstone of Embu’s economy, alongside other key agricultural value chains such as tea, coffee, and macadamia, which were also discussed during the meetings with Kindiki.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Debates
The controversy surrounding Muguka highlights the broader tensions between economic interests and public health concerns in Kenya.
While Muguka and Miraa have long been part of the country’s cultural and economic fabric, their stimulant properties have sparked debates about regulation, particularly in regions where their consumption is widespread.
Critics argue that Muguka contributes to social challenges, including addiction and youth delinquency, though definitive scientific studies on its impacts remain limited.
Governor Mbarire’s defense of Muguka underscores the need for evidence-based policymaking. Her call for research to clarify the crop’s effects could pave the way for a more informed debate, balancing the economic benefits of Muguka with potential health risks.
For now, the withdrawal of the Anti-Muguka Bill provides temporary relief for Embu’s farmers, but the broader conversation about the crop’s place in Kenya’s agricultural and social landscape is likely to continue.
Embu’s Development Agenda
Beyond the Muguka issue, Governor Mbarire’s discussions with Deputy President Kindiki also focused on advancing key development projects in Embu County.
These include the Embu Ultra Modern Market, designed to boost trade and economic activity, and the Affordable Housing project, aimed at addressing housing shortages.
The ESP markets in Makutano, Ishiara, Karurumo, and Runyenjes are also part of the county’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and stimulate local economies.
“It is our collective responsibility to chart a clear roadmap that addresses our people’s most pressing needs and ensures the timely and effective implementation of these projects,” Mbarire emphasized.
Looking Ahead…
The successful withdrawal of the Anti-Muguka Bill marks a pivotal moment for Embu County, safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and reinforcing the importance of dialogue in resolving contentious issues.
Governor Cecily Mbarire’s proactive leadership, coupled with the intervention of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has ensured that Muguka remains a vital part of Embu’s agricultural economy.
As the county continues to pursue its development agenda, the focus on evidence-based policies and inclusive decision-making will be critical in addressing both economic and social challenges in the region.
Share This Post