By Mohamed Siyad - Reporter
Kenya, November 18 2025 - The Wajir County Assembly’s Committee on Gender, Culture, Children, Sports, and Social Services, in partnership with the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), on Tuesday convened a public participation forum on the Wajir County Miraa and Other Substances Control Bill, 2025.
The event, held at the Grand Oasis Hotel in Wajir, drew a significant turnout, including prominent ulamas, legal experts, and community leaders. NAMLEF was represented by its chairman, Abdullahi Abdi and Deputy chairman Hon. Mohamed Hussein (Qaras), alongside members of the Kenya Muslim Lawyers (KML), Acting Chief Khadi Sukyan Omar, SUPKEM Chairman Sheikh Adan Yunis, the County Assembly Speaker Hon. Abdille Yussuf, and several Wajir ulamas.
During the forum, experts presented their research and perspectives on why the Bill, which has already passed both the first and second readings at the County Assembly, should be enacted into law.
However, the Bill has also drawn opposition from sections of the public, particularly miraa traders, who have already threatened take legal action to halt its passage. The traders argue that miraa contributes nearly 40% of the county’s internally generated revenue, making it a crucial economic lifeline for many households.
Speaking at the forum, County Assembly Speaker Hon. Abdille Yussuf emphasized the need for public sensitization on the importance and long-term benefits of the proposed legislation.
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“We should create awareness about the Bill and its importance to the people of Wajir. We are discussing how we can reduce the usage of miraa among our people in order to secure a better future for the next generation,” he said.
Ulamas present at the event reiterated their stance, calling for the complete eradication of miraa and other harmful substances in Wajir, citing their social, health, and economic impacts on the community.
The public participation forum marks a critical stage in the legislative process as the County Assembly continues to gather views before the Bill proceeds to the final reading.
