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| Former Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara |
The former MP for Imenti Central Gitobu Imanyara has said he is negotiating with the Netherlands government to have the recent ban imposed on miraa lifted.
He said already talks with the Netherlands Ambassador to Kenya are at an advanced stage and the ban may be lifted any time once they reach an agreement.
Speaking at Maua town in Igembe South District, Imanyara said the ambassador has already requested him to take a delegation to the Netherlands to finalise the negotiations.
“The ambassador has requested me to take a delegation to his country and I’m ready to pay the fare for all those who will travel,” he said.
Imanyara said they will be out to convince the Netherlands government that miraa is not a drug, as branded by some people.
He said the ban is negatively affecting the economy of the region because majority of residents in Nyambene depend on it for their livelihood.
The former MP who is contesting for the Meru County senate seat cautioned politicians against using miraa as a tool to solicit for votes.
Lamu corridor
“Many politicians are campaigning using miraa by lying to residents that they are pursuing the matter while in actual fact they are not bothered,” said Imanyara.
He said the crop creates a lot of job opportunities and the matter should not be taken lightly.
He said once the construction of the Lamu corridor is completed, it will take only six hours to transport it to Mombasa instead of the current 18 hours.
The ODM point man in Meru said all the presidential candidates are welcome in the county to solicit for votes without any discrimination regardless of tribe or political party affiliation.
He said the move will allow the contestants to fully sell their policies to the residents. - Daily Nation
