Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has urged parliament to classify muguka as a harmful substance and remove it from the list of cash crops. Speaking at a church service on January 4, 2026, he highlighted its threat to youths and schoolchildren. The governor supports President William Ruto's call for harsh penalties on drug traffickers.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir spoke at a church service in the city, emphasizing that muguka endangers youths, particularly in Mombasa County. He noted that nearly half of drug and substance abuse cases involve muguka, including among schoolchildren. "I urge our legislators to consider legislative amendments to formally eliminate Muguka from the schedule of cash crops and classify it as a harmful drug. We need decisive national action to protect our families and future generations," Nassir stated.
He added, "The problem in Mombasa is not illicit brew; our main problem is muguka. In July, August and September, over 50 per cent of those admitted to hospitals are because of this product. We will not accept. Feed us everything but not muguka. It has no vitamins, and our children are getting affected."
His remarks came after President William Ruto's call for severe penalties against drug traffickers and peddlers. While endorsing the president's stance, the governor advocated for regulating the Ksh22 billion muguka industry. He pointed out that Mombasa consumes more of the product than its producers, urging farmers to repurpose their lands for constructive rather than destructive activities.
Muguka is a specific variety of khat mainly grown in Embu County, where only the leaves are harvested and chewed. Prolonged use leads to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and increased heart attack risk. In men, it can cause impotency, while pregnant women face risks of low birth weight babies. Health experts warn it is toxic to the liver and kidneys.
Economically, muguka sustains about 65,000 farmers and generates billions of shillings for the country. In Mombasa, it yields nearly Ksh1 million daily in levies from sales. Coastal counties have previously tried to ban its sale and distribution, but courts have rejected these efforts. In June 2025, a legislative proposal to delist it as a cash crop was withdrawn following intervention by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.