How Miraa controls Meru politics

President William Ruto and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi chew miraa (khat) during a meeting of leaders and farmers at Maili Tatu Stadium in Igembe Central Constituency. [FILE, Standard]

President William Ruto was on a familiar campaign trail last month in Maua, Meru County, when the crowd shifted the agenda. 

It was April 2, and while the President came with prepared remarks, it was clear the people had a different priority: miraa.

Support Bold Journalism — Subscribe to The Standard & Hold Power Accountable
Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week

Subscribe Today & Save!

  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
Already a subscriber? Log in