Kenyan Presidential Escort Officers Banned from Chewing Miraa

Officers attached to the Presidential Escort Unit have been banned from chewing Khat, locally known as Miraa. 

George Kirera, the head of the Presidential Escort Unit in a notice said chewing of Miraa and Muguka was found to pose a health risk to officers and their families.

“Please be informed that it has been noted with the high level of concern by this office that chewing miraa and muguka is posing a lot of health risk to our personnel and their families,” reads the notice in part.

Kirera warned action will be taken on officers found chewing the substance at the work station or within the camps

It added: “With effect from July 6th, 1400 hrs, no Prescort personnel or civilian residing within the camps will be allowed to chew miraa or muguka within the camps or work station. Bring this information to the attention of all personnel and acknowledgment receipt of this signal on or before July 7.”

Chewing of Miraa and Muguka has become common behavior among many young Kenyans across the country. Kenya exports Miraa worth billions of shillings annually to neighboring Somalia.

Past studies have linked the substance to various health risks including sexual dysfunction in men.