Miraa addicts will have to another addiction if the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) will manage to ban the substance.
NACADA has said it is advocating for a ban in order to address the drug menace affecting millions of youth in the country.
Nacada CEO Victor Okioma said statistics have indicated that muguka and alcohol abuse are among top substances that have ruined the lives of youths.
Consumption of the drug, a stimulant that is cheaper than miraa, has been blamed for social ills including crime and increased teenage pregnancies rate.
“Contrary to what many people believe that Coast region is being dominated by cocaine and heroin, we have come to realize that muguka, alcohol and bhang are now leading…their effects are out of control,” said Mr Okioma after inspecting rehabilitation centers in Malindi today.
He said the anti-drug agency will meet other stakeholders in country to brainstorm how to push for the ban of harmful drugs including the plant stimulant.
“Let us join hands and discourage our people especially youths from takings these drugs…once one is addicted it has a long-term recovery.
Do you think the ban will render many jobless ?
This comes as local leaders led by Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa also called for ban on muguka.
Mombasa ward representatives in August proposed a ban on the sale and consumption of muguka due to its abuse by minors and the youth.