Muguka, a shrub grown in Embu, Tharaka Nithi and parts of Meru counties, has unexpectedly become a major political issue ahead of the Mbeere North by-election.
The Mbeere North parliamentary seat fell vacant after its member Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary, replacing Justin Muturi, who was sacked from the Cabinet on March 26, 2025.
The stimulant, a variety of miraa (Catha edulis), is at the centre of political wrangling due to perceived attempts by coastal counties to control the sale and consumption of the crop.
Muguka traders display their wares in Nakuru City
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
This is after Kilifi North MP Owen Baya tabled the Crops Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, that seeks to delist muguka from the scheduled crops, a move that would allow counties like Mombasa and Kilifi to ban it entirely. The proposal, which has since been dropped by its proposer Mr Baya sparked uproar in Embu where the crop generates about Sh22 billion annually and supports thousands of livelihoods.
With Deputy President Kithure Kindiki under immense pressure to secure the seat for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the possibility of a loss to a candidate backed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has turned muguka into a high-stakes political tool.
Mr Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 with the support of President William Ruto’s allies, is determined to assert himself as Mt Kenya’s kingpin and derail Dr Ruto’s 2027 re-election efforts.
This backdrop explains Prof Kindiki’s swift intervention to persuade Mr Baya to withdraw the contentious Bill. On Wednesday, the DP held talks with the Kilifi North MP and announced that the legislation would not proceed.
“Mr Baya has graciously agreed to drop the piece of legislation that was already in the First Reading in the National Assembly. We have been looking for a solution to this matter because we do not want to destroy this value chain, which is quite critical to our economy,” said Prof Kindiki.
In a letter dated June 4, 2025, and addressed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Mr Baya cited the need for consultations with muguka growing regions and a lack of conclusive scientific data as reasons for withdrawing the Bill. He said a scientifically harmonised position should be pursued to manage the sale and consumption of the stimulant while awaiting lab results on its effects.
“In the spirit of bipartisan dialogue, I wish to give room for negotiations and explore a scientific and evidence-based approach to this issue,” Mr Baya stated.
The decision to withdraw the Muguka Bill has exposed intense behind-the-scenes negotiations led by President Ruto and Prof Kindiki to contain the political fallout and retain support in Embu County. Muguka farmers had staged protests last year after Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties imposed taxes and restrictions on the product.
Meanwhile, political tensions remain high in Embu with DP Kindiki also attempting to reconcile with UDA’s national chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire amid signs of internal divisions.
The Mbeere North by-election is widely viewed as a political litmus test for Prof Kindiki, who is seen as a potential successor to President Ruto within the UDA power structure. A defeat would not only weaken his standing but embolden Mr Gachagua and his growing coalition of disgruntled leaders.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and former DP Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Mr Gachagua has vowed to make President Ruto a one-term president and has joined forces with key opposition figures such as Mr Eugene Wamalwa, Ms Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, former CS Fred Matiang’i and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to build a formidable anti-Ruto alliance ahead of the 2027 polls.
Locally, the by-election has become a flashpoint for competing political interests and economic concerns.
Muguka remains deeply embedded in the social and financial fabric of Embu and neighbouring counties and any attempt to suppress or ban it whether through national legislation or county restrictions carries significant political risks.
While the stimulant is controversial in other parts of the country due to concerns over its addictive nature and health effects, leaders in muguka growing regions defend it as a legitimate cash crop that supports farming communities.
The outcome of the Mbeere North by-election could therefore hinge not just on party popularity or candidate credentials but also on how effectively UDA manages the muguka issue while balancing national policy, scientific inquiry and local economic interests.
As campaigns heat up, observers will be watching to see whether DP Kindiki’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering will keep Embu in the ruling party’s column or open a crack in UDA’s Mt Kenya stronghold.
Those whose names have prominently featured in the local politics are former Mbeere MP Muriuki Njagagua , the man Ruku narrowly dethroned in 2022.
A seasoned lawyer, currently serving as Consolidated Bank board Chairperson and a fiery orator, Mr Njagagua is no stranger to high-stakes battles.
His past tenure as MP (2013–2022) was marked by an active parliamentary record—he spoke 252 times between 2013 and 2016, a rare feat among legislators
Then there’s Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, the Muminji Ward MCA. Commonly known as Karish, a three-time ward representative, a political charmer, his blend of humor and music has won him the grassroots appeal.
Mr Sammy Njue Njiru, a longtime personal assistant to the recently sacked CS Justin Muturi, could also join the race. With over 20 years of experience in Mbeere politics and having served as Muturi’s right-hand man, Njiru—a native of Karigiri in Evurore Ward—has the political acumen to mount a strong bid.
Another formidable challenger is Duncan Ireri Mbui, the Evurore MCA serving his second term in the County Assembly. Mr Josiah Muriithi Thiriku, the Speaker of the County Assembly of Embu, serving his second term in office has also thrown his hat in the ring as has r Jacob Ireri Mbao, a well-known philanthropist who is deaf. Others are Former Embu County Chief Officer and seasoned politician Duncan Mbongo, climate expert Konji Kwayo , and former banker Stephen Ngari M'Makindu
Mbeere North has three elective wards. According to the current IEBC register, Evurore leads with 26,393 registered voters, Nthawa 18,882 and Muminji 9,849.
At the center of this political battle is Ruku, popularly known as GK himself.
Known as Mt Kenya’s tallest politician, standing at an imposing two metres, Ruku has cast a long shadow over Mbeere North politics. His 2022 win on a Democratic Party (DP) ticket, where he edged out the incumbent Muriuki Njagagua with 17,069 votes against 16,422, was a testament to his rise. However, political experts observe that Ruku's endorsement by the then Speaker Justin Muturi gave him an upper hand.
Whispers in political circles suggest that Ruku might find himself under intense pressure from power brokers to prove his political prowess and dominance in Mbeere North by ensuring the government's candidate wins in the by-election, whose date is yet to be set.
