British High Commissioner Christian Turner says to seek UK attention over Kenya concerns on ‘miraa’ ban

UK envoy to Kenya Christian Turner

By JOB WERU

KENYA: British High Commissioner Christian Turner has pledged to petition his Government to address the miraa (khat) issue, following an announcement that UK was threatening to ban its usage.

While on a tour of Nyeri County, Mr Turner said the ban was global and not directed at Kenya alone since it aimed at addressing both health and social risks posed by miraa on users.

“I will be relaying the concerns to the Home Office in London, but what I want everyone to understand is the ban is not meant to target Kenya. It is a global ban,” said Turner.

Turner said Home Secretary Theresa May, in her statement to the Parliament when she declared her Government was to ban miraa use, indicated the move was prompted by a research that was conducted by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

However, it appears Ms May went against the advice of ACMD, since in January this year, ACMD said there was ‘insufficient evidence’ miraa caused health problems.

The panel also found ‘no evidence’ the leaves and shoots of miraa were directly linked to serious or organised crime. But, in a statement to MPs, May said the risks posed could have been underestimated.

Livelihoods

The ban drew wild condemnation from Kenyan farmers and leaders.

And yesterday during Turner’s visit, Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and Kieni MP James Kanini Kega drew the diplomat response, when they claimed the ban would affect thousands of livelihoods who rely on trade in the stimulant herb.

The duo called on Turner to intervene and ensure the ban is lifted.

Kega, who is also a member of a House ad hoc committee appointed to investigate the miraa issue, called for lifting of the ban, saying it will have more economic and social implications to the people involved.

Turner was in a Church service at St Phillips ACK Church in Narumoru, where he attended the 60th anniversary for the coronation of the Queen Elizabeth II. He also visited the historic Mau Mau caves in Mt Kenya forest, where he called for strengthened relations between Kenya and the UK.