Rationale behind Roman Catholic Church’s toleration of miraa production and consumption in Igembe deanery, Meru diocese, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to find out the rationale behind Roman Catholic Church’s toleration of miraa production and consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru diocese, Kenya. The Roman Catholic Church has been a leading voice in opposing the use of pharmaceuticals outside of medical necessity in every society it has encountered. The Roman Catholic Church has taken a hard-line approach against drug legalisation, including recreational drugs. On the contrary, in Igembe Deanery, the Meru Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, a contentious drug that many consider a drug, khat (Miraa) production and use is tolerated. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data were obtained from questionnaires, oral interviews, focus group discussion, participant observation, and primary and secondary sources to ensure the reliability and validity of the study. The study’s findings were that the economic, social, cultural,religious, and educational benefits of miraa in Igembe deanery are all the reasons for the Roman Catholic Church in Igembe deanery to tolerate miraa farming, trade and consumption in the study area. This study concludes that Miraa production and consumption in Igembe deanery in Meru diocese is due to its huge social, economic, and religious benefits to the local people.