Muguka
Nakuru County is facing a growing concern—Muguka. This cheap stimulant, available for as little as 50 shillings, has found its way into the lives of many residents, particularly the youth. Following the recent ban in Mombasa and Malindi Counties. A number of parents and clergy are considering similar measures. It seems the cry from the coastal areas has catapulted and empowered those who have been talking discreetly.
James Mwangi, a 22-year-old student, shares his struggle with Muguka. “It started as a way to stay alert for my studies,” he admits, “but soon, it became a daily habit. I felt invincible at first, but now, I can’t focus without it.” James’ story is not unique. Many young people in Nakuru turn to Muguka to cope with academic pressure and unemployment, unaware of the long-term consequences.
Mary Wanjohi, 19, echoes James’ sentiments but adds another dimension. “Muguka is cheap and readily available. For us, it’s an escape from the reality of joblessness. But, the side effects—lack of sleep, agitation, and dependence—are destroying our lives.”
Peter Otieno, a police officer from the Nakuru Police station, has seen the dark side of Muguka use. “We’ve noticed a spike in petty crimes and domestic disturbances linked to Muguka consumption,” he reports. “It’s not just about the individuals; it’s tearing families apart and increasing our workload. We need stricter regulations and better public awareness.” He supports potential bans but emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach. “Banning alone won’t work. We need rehabilitation programs and alternative livelihoods for those involved in the trade.”
Muguka’s grip extends beyond the youth. John Kamau, 45, is a farmer who turned to Muguka to cope with the stress of an unpredictable market. “Farming is tough,” he says. “Muguka was my way of staying awake and working longer hours. But it has taken a toll on my health and family life.” Martha Wambui, 38, recently quit Muguka after years of use. “I started to experience severe health issues—high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. It wasn’t easy to quit, but I had to do it for my children. The hardest part was finding support.”
Dr. Lucy Mwangi, a clinical psychologist, sheds light on the psychological effects of Muguka. “Muguka acts as a stimulant, giving users a temporary boost in energy and alertness. However, prolonged use leads to dependence, anxiety, and cognitive impairments,” she explains. “The social and economic pressures in Nakuru make it a fertile ground for such substances.” Dr. Mwangi stresses the need for accessible mental health services. “Many users need psychological support to overcome dependence. Without addressing the underlying issues, a ban alone will not suffice.”
However, the potential ban on Muguka raises concerns for farmers who rely on its cultivation. Samuel Karanja, a Muguka farmer in Meru, is worried about his livelihood. “Muguka is a significant part of my income. If it’s banned, I don’t know how I’ll support my family,” he says. “We need viable alternatives and support from the government to transition to other crops.” The economic dependency on Muguka farming underscores the complexity of the issue. While addressing public health and social concerns, policymakers must also consider the economic ramifications for farmers and traders.
Mombasa’s ban on Muguka, which was lifted after two days, has had mixed results. While it has reduced street-level availability and associated crimes, it has the capacity of going underground or the black market. Former users report withdrawal challenges and limited access to rehabilitation services. Mary Atieno, a community worker in Nakuru city, shares her observations. “The ban might lead to reduced visible use, but many users will go underground. We need more support systems and awareness campaigns.”
In Nakuru, the problem of Muguka intersects with broader societal issues. The drug’s low cost makes it accessible to a wide range of people, from students to workers, amplifying its reach and impact. The strain it places on law enforcement is considerable, diverting resources from other pressing issues.
Moreover, the health sector is feeling the pressure. Dr. Mwangi notes that the rise in Muguka use correlates with an increase in patients exhibiting symptoms related to stimulant abuse, such as anxiety and mental stress. This surge puts additional strain on already limited healthcare resources, making it imperative to address the root causes of Muguka dependency.
Educational institutions in Nakuru are also affected. Teachers report that students who use Muguka often show a decline in academic performance and an increase in behavioral problems. This issue is compounded by the lack of robust support systems within schools to help students struggling with substance abuse.
To combat the Muguka menace, a multifaceted approach is essential. Education campaigns targeting young people can raise awareness about the dangers of Muguka. These campaigns should be coupled with community support programs that provide alternative activities and employment opportunities for youth. Schools need to be equipped with counseling services to support students dealing with substance abuse issues.
However, a local pastor, Philomen Omwega said Law enforcement officers are likely to face serious challenges, even if the ban was to be effected because stimulants or addictions can’t be controlled by force. He gave an example in the prohibition of alcohol in the USA in 1920. Saying it was even embodied in the USA constitution’s 18th Amendment, banning the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol. Yet it remained widely available throughout the prohibition, and some wise leaders realized the futility of the ban and lifted it in 1933.
He noted that the abuse of substances has a lot to do with unaddressed and resolved socioeconomic issues that governments have skirted around instead of addressing them effectively. He gave an example of Nakuru City which for a long time had thriving industries, such as the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya, which employed 200 to 300 casuals daily, and each person went home with Sh500 in the evening. During weekends, the amount increased to Sh600. And, running down such a powerful employer has created untold problems in the city. He urged the government to at least punish those who destroyed the lifeline of the local youth, and revive it if possible, and the menace of Muguka would be reduced and might disappear within a short time.
He said the easiest way to kill young men is to deny them a source of livelihood and worse still, keep on promising them of imaginary jobs abroad, which they are more than sure that they are not meant for them, but for those with connections. Additionally, he said the recent surge of infamous gangsters, which mainly comprises young boys aged 12 to 25, should have jolted the government to action, but instead they were killed and arrested.
Pastor Omwega, said his passionate appeal to the national and county governments is not to ban anything, whether Muguka or other stimulants but to make a commitment to save both young and old from the current hopelessness. ”People have tried everything to survive in this country, but life is so tough, and unfair, especially, to the poor, and its time they were given buoyancy and optimism.”
He suggested that in the soon to be read national budget the parliamentarians ought to consider giving a lifeline to the depressed, miserable and deprived youths, by allocating some monthly stipend for them, just to make them needed, respected and wanted as any other citizen.
He gave an example of his brick making industry at the sewerage estate that started by employing youths at Sh700 per day, but every morning he was met with a huge crowd, and they persuaded him to reduce the payment to accommodate more. But, despite nowadays paying just Sh500, there are those who wish he would reduce to Sh300 to hire more. However, he says his conscience cannot allow him to pay a human being less than two dollars after toiling the whole day. Worse still he claims the bricks are hardly selling due to the depressed economy.