Ah, miraa, or as the locals affectionately call it, "the green gold" or simply "veve," has been the lifeblood of the Meru community for centuries.

Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, the Meru region boasts a climate that is just right for cultivating this evergreen shrub with it growing naturally in most parts.

Miraa's history stretches back to ancient times, with Ethiopia being credited as its origin country. It was discovered there in the 13 century, while in Kenya it was discovered in the early 19th century by a man identified as Rutanathiora Njuki Ituika.

Njuki stumbled upon the plant’s stimulating properties when he noticed his goats getting unusually frisky after nibbling on its leaves. He must've thought, "why should goats have all the fun?" and tried it himself. To his delight, he discovered a newfound energy and a burst of euphoria, introducing veve as the life of every community gathering henceforth.

Other stories imply he discovered khat after sampling over 1000 types of leaves in the region. However, after conducting a google reverse image search of the man whom people across social media have been posting purporting him to be Njuki, we discovered the photo was in fact a former Rwandan king identified as Yuhi V Musinga. And the 100 leaves story remains unverified.

Since it’s discovery, khat has been a symbol of social bonding, and a medium for economic prosperity thanks to its huge export demand. Most people consume it for it’s stimulant effect... think of it as an equivalent of a double espresso shot. As it contains potent amounts of cathine and cathinone the plant heightens alertness, improves concentration, and provides energy as well as a sense of euphoria.

Socially, miraa chewing sessions are akin to Western coffee breaks. Friends gather, sharing stories, and forming bonds. It’s also used during negotiations and important discussions, believed to foster an atmosphere of camaraderie and levelheadedness.

Muguka leaves
Image: Courtesy

Veve
Image: Courtesy

Now, let’s address the great miraa vs. muguka debate. Muguka, a relative newcomer on the scene, hails from the Embu region and while both are varieties of the khat plant, they posses notable differences.

Miraa tends to have a slightly bitter taste and a fibrous texture. It also has a more prolonged stimulant effect, making it the go-to choice for most. Muguka, on the other hand, is softer and less bitter, with a quicker, more intense high that doesn’t last as long. Often preferred by those looking for a quick buzz without the extended chew time.

Another huge difference is miraa is harvested after 28 days while muguka needs just a week. During harvesting, miraa farmers pluck the stems while their counterparts pluck just the leaves as those are the parts that are individually chewed.  Miraa is also pricier than muguka with a bundle starting from Sh. 150 or Sh. 200 while the latter goes for just Sh. 50.

They however don't come without a few downsides. Some severe side effects of constant consumption include; depression, manic episodes, insomnia, low sex drive and drug induced psychosis. Khat has also been attributed to causing heart attacks due to bleeding in the brain as well as lung and liver problems. 

Deciding whether miraa or muguka is better is like choosing between coffee and tea it all boils down to personal preference. Miraa’s longer-lasting effects and deep-rooted cultural significance gives it a certain prestige, while Muguka’s appeal lies in its intensity and cheapness, making it popular among the younger crowd.