‘You risk being banned’ – Kenyan athletes warned against chewing muguka
By Joel Sang, June 1, 2024
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) officer in charge of education and research Martin Yauma has warned athletes from chewing muguka.
Muguka and its consumption have turned into a heated national debate after its ban by the coastal counties of Kilifi, Mombasa, and Taita Taveta.
The protests against the ban were spearheaded by Embu County, which is one of the top producers of the product.
Yauma has now warned that the plant is one of the banned substances for athletes, and those who use it risk getting banned.
“Muguka, just like Miraa, contains the same substance, cathine, and this is a stimulant. The substance is banned in sports for athletes, so any athlete who consumes muguka and competes in sports risks being banned,” Yauma is quoted as saying by a local publication.
The ADAK official says the use of muguka could have a sportsperson banned for up to four years.
“It is prohibited during competition. When they are tested during competition and found to have used it, then they will be banned for at least four years, but out of competition, it is not.
“Irrespective of whether it is permitted by the country or legal to consume or do business with it, the World Anti-Doping Code is very clear for those participating in sports,” he added.
The fight against substance abuse has intensified in the country, especially after a high number of athletes were banned after testing positive for the use of banned drugs.
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