Those who frequent the Kenyan coast (or Swahili Coast, as it will be called in future) are familiar with the properties of Miraa, otherwise known as 'Marungi' (pronounced 'marunghi'). But even those who come here for the first time may notice many locals chewing a stem of grass along with their chewing gum. It is a common practice among drivers, for example, but also among young people. Marungi in fact has amphetamine qualities. It takes away hunger and keeps you awake, just like the coca leaves in South America. Marungi in Kenya is legal, it is sold in special kiosks that sell only that. The best quality comes from the Meru Plateau, and in any case from the north of the country. Abuse of marungi can obviously cause unpleasant effects, such as hallucinations or stomach pains. Another negative of marungi is that it is used to take away the 'hangover', so it can lead to more drinking. Some link the abuse of marungi to the many road accidents in the country. But it is a Kenyan tradition that would be impossible to stop. Miraa is also a business, domestically but also in terms of export. The leaves of the plant are exported, for a turnover of millions, to countries that do not consider its use illegal. Italy is not among them, in any case. Until recently, however, the Netherlands was one of them, but it has halted the importation of miraa, which has effectively brought entire crops in and around Meru to their knees. In fact, Prime Ministerial Candidate Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday openly spoke out against the Dutch government, harshly criticising the decision to outlaw miraa. The export of the leaves, which also have beneficial properties, cannot be separated from that of the stems, which could be chemically processed just like cocaine. Meanwhile, here on the coast, old people spend their days quietly, playing 'bao', drinking tamarind juice, with a little herb to chew in their mouths. And they don't hurt anyone..