A society maintains its identity and life through the spirit of its youth, and flourishes through it.
The youth are living in most difficult and distressing times. Having been deprived of education and jobs, and crushed by the pressure of materialism, they have turned to drugs. And khat, in particular.
At home on holiday from studies, I had a chance to talk to many youth who chew miraa regularly in Garissa town who told me the narcotic keeps them awake and alert, reduces hunger pangs and helps them socialise.
Others said it was a preferred substitute to alcohol, and told me it had a number of different names like veve, mairungu, giza, kangeta, chat, gaba and tohai.
The number of youth consuming this harmful herb is increasing rapidly as they remain idle and jobless. Town residents spend more money on khat than on food, and in Garissa town alone, it is estimated Sh10 million goes towards the purchase of these green leaves daily.
What extravagance and waste of money when many a time we cannot provide daily bread for ourselves and educate our children. I am appalled by this shameless consumerism.
Pastoralists
Pastoralists, farmers and charcoal dealers have also not been spared the consequences of chewing the herb. Treasured cows, goats and camels are now sold at throw away prices to provide money to buy khat. And if nothing is done, all will be lost quite soon.
These addicts usually chew khat sometimes more than 16 hours straight, with soft drinks, ground nuts and chewing gum by their side. In some cases, tranquilizers such as diazepam and, of late mosquito coils, are consumed with the miraa depending on one’s level of psychosis.
This khat-induced psychosis, where the individual presents manic behaviour and violence, is now common in Garissa. Addicts have false, illogical beliefs, hallucinations, slurred speech and sometimes laugh and cry simultaneously.
The use of the drug has also created social problems which include: family breakups and divorce, rape, robbery, petty theft and drug peddling.
It is clear miraa is harmful to one’s health and wealth, so the question is what should we do to uplift a generation that has been numbed by the harsh reality of life and embraced hallucinations that never end?
I acknowledge some of these youth make efforts to earn a living, and that they only resort to consuming miraa to kill time and satisfy unfulfilled desires. However, the heavy responsibility of reforming them lies with leaders, parents and the youth themselves.
Create jobs
The State should create jobs to allow the youth to contribute to the development of the nation. Parents should guide their children and monitor their whereabouts daily.
The youth must be guided by a unity of purpose and regain their true identity by abstaining from this dangerous drug.
To miraa retailers, I challenge you to look for alternative business ventures. I understand you have to earn a living, but it is prudent not to run businesses that are harmful to society.
{Ahmed Mohamed, Garissa}
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