The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has expressed its satisfaction with the ban on miraa in three coastal counties, despite the ongoing political controversy surrounding the decision.
ADAK supports the muguka ban that has stirred political tension in the country. The counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta decided to ban the use and sale of muguka due to its adverse effects on youth.
Although the issue has become political, even reaching discussions at State House and Parliament, ADAK believes that athletes from these counties should be pleased with the ban. Muguka is a stimulant containing cathine, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). ADAK views the ban as a significant step in their ongoing fight against doping in Kenya.
“It is beneficial for our athletes to protect their health and ensure fair play,” said Dr. Martin Yauma, who oversees education and research at ADAK, in an interview with Pulse Sports.
While the stimulant is only banned during competitions, Dr. Yauma advises athletes against using it outside of competitions as well, even though it is a popular pastime among Kenyan youth, including those involved in sports. “We recommend avoiding it because the elimination time from the body can be unpredictable,” added Dr. Yauma, revealing that ADAK plans to increase surveillance among footballers, a group that commonly uses the stimulant.
“We are enhancing education for football because we have identified issues there. We aim to increase awareness and education among football players,” he said. “Football is extensive, and due to limited funding, we have primarily focused on elite athletes at the top. Testing is very expensive, so we target high-risk athletes and areas. Testing at the grassroots level is cost-prohibitive.”
Muguka has severe effects on athletes, including increased heart rate, hypertension, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Grown in Embu, muguka is a khat variant similar to miraa, which caused trouble for Kenyan boxer David Munyasia ahead of the 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece. Munyasia was the first athlete to violate the rules by testing positive for the banned substance cathine after consuming miraa before the Games.
