Kwale county bans sale and consumption of Miraa

Kasemeni MCA Anthony Yama. being the mover of the motion Yama says Miraa has caused a lot of divorce cases as users have failed to perform their conjugal  (Courtesy)

By Kevin Kyalo

KWALE—Kwale County Assembly has outlawed the transportation, sale and consumption of Miraa and Muguka in the county.

This is after a motion to ban the substance received a unanimous vote from the house after it was introduced by Kasemeni MCA Anthony Yama.

“Miraa and Muguka chewing has had an adverse effect on our society, cases of divorce have been on the increase as Miraa users have failed to perform their conjugal rights.” The MCA noted.

He also explained that what drove him to push for this motion was how many young abled youths failed to secure a spot in the recently concluded KDF recruitment.

“Several youths were kicked out of the KDF recruitment exercise due to the herbs side-effects.” Yama added.

Yama also faulted the use of Miraa as a major cause of many students dropping out of school.

Speaking to Kulan Post Kwale residents had different opinions concerning the ban.

“I have lived in Kwale and yes the effect of the drug on the residents is adverse, the youth spend the whole day idling just chewing.”  Said Mr. Kago.

Mr. Juma a local trader said that this motion has not been carefully looked into as its will impact negatively on the economy of the county.

“I am deeply perturbed by this disheartening motion!!Khat will always be our cash crop and beverage.” Said Juma.

In Lamu County, officials conducting the recruitment exercise also noted that many of the youth were left out due to discolored teeth caused by chewing Miraa.

Earlier this year, nominated member of county assembly from Mombasa Fatuma Swaleh vowed to table a motion to ban the sale and use of Miraa and Muguka in Mombasa.

She claimed that the use of these substances has wrecked many marriages and noted that married women from Mombasa are raising concerns over denial of conjugal rights by their partners.