Muratina Legalized: Elders Embrace Ruling, Vow to Uphold Tradition and Combat Misuse

With the legalization of Muratina, Kiama kia Ma Elders take charge to ensure its brewing is solely for cultural purposes, working closely with local chiefs and upholding legal standards.

Elder Gachugu Nyamu expressed satisfaction with the High Court ruling permitting the preparation and consumption of Muratina, an essential step in combating alcoholism in the Mount Kenya region. Nyamu emphasized that Muratina, a cherished Agikuyu traditional liquor, is meticulously crafted by selected elders for significant cultural ceremonies such as weddings and rites of passage.

Asserting their authority, the elders have assumed control over the brewing and consumption processes, vowing to collaborate with provincial authorities to regulate Muratina’s production, distribution, and consumption. Nyamu emphasized the importance of preserving Muratina’s cultural significance, staunchly opposing any commercialization that could lead to its misuse, particularly among the youth.

The recent High Court ruling in Kiambu, prompted by a petition from Ndeiya Traditional Brewers, affirmed Muratina’s legality and sanctioned its consumption in cultural contexts, under strict adherence to the law. Justice A. Mshila, in delivering the verdict, underscored the responsibility of Kiama Kia Ma elders in overseeing Muratina’s regulation, emphasizing the need for collaboration with local chiefs and unwavering compliance with legal regulations.

This ruling marks a significant victory for the elders, who had petitioned the court to recognize Muratina as both a legal and cultural brew, challenging previous bans imposed by provincial authorities and legal actions taken against Muratina producers and vendors.