Raila urges Kikwete to legalise miraa

Raila Odinga

Published on 25/06/2011

By Patrick Muriungi

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has regretted alleged harassment of miraa traders in Tanzania and promised to raise the issue with President Jakaya Kikwete.

The PM, who was speaking at the miraa growing zone of Igembe North in Meru County on Friday, said he would urge the Tanzania leader to allow commercial market of miraa in his country, where it is currently illegal.

He regretted that miraa traders and consumers are often harassed and jailed by the Tanzanian authorities, and said he will spearhead legalisation of the produce to enable farmers in Meru benefit from the trade.

"I understand issues concerning miraa as one who has in the past chewed it. In Tanzania, our fellow Kenyan miraa traders and consumers are harassed and arrested. We shall open up discussions with Mr Kikwete to allow the exportation of the twig", said the PM.

He was responding to requests from Higher Education Assistant Minister Kilemi Mwiria and other leaders who had asked for his intervention to introduce trade of the commodity in Tanzania, which is within the East African Community free trading zone.

It was the second time in less than two weeks that the PM was visiting Meru County. He was in the area again recently at the invitation of Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi at Maua stadium.

Linturi who spoke during the function said he will rally together residents of Igembe community to support the most suitable candidates for President of Kenya and the posts of Senate and Governor in Meru County.


source; The Standards