The Anti-Mugika Bill sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya if it sails through parliament and is assented to by the president could spell doom to thousands of farmers in Embu who rely on the herbal stimulant for upkeep.

Governor Mbarire read malice in the bill that targets to exclude Muguka from the list of recognized crops leaving behind Miraa, essentially removing safeguards and support offered by the government.

She asserted that the two belong to the same family khat (Catha edulis) and seeking to outlaw one variant was discriminatory and done in bad taste.

Speaking in Mbeere South Constituency, the Governor said the move will deal a big blow to the economy of the county and hurt thousands of families that rely on it for survival.

She called for independent research to be carried through the Government Chemist on the crop to demystify its alleged negative effects on consumers.

“As far as we are concerned, Muguka is a good crop because no research has been done to state otherwise,” she said.

Consequently, Governor Mbarire appealed to President William Ruto not to assent to the bill even if it sails through the National Assembly.

“We ask the President not to be embarrassed to stand with us on this issue because we know it is a good crop,” she said.

She also accused the author of the bill of attempting to cripple the economy of the county and many families that rely on the crop for upkeep.

“We have declared war on the MP. We will not allow him to kill our livelihoods and economy,” she asserted.

Other leaders from the county who have come out in defense of the crop are Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji and Ward Reps from Muguka growing zones of Mbeere North and South constituencies.