Media personality Kwambox has advised people who consume khat, commonly known as jaba or miraa, to wash the leaves with hot water before chewing, saying it may help reduce exposure to pesticide residues that could remain on the crop after farming and handling.

Kwambox made the remarks during an episode of The BoxPod, which featured Kenyan rapper Mejja. While discussing health and lifestyle, she encouraged consumers to take extra precautions when handling the stimulant.
"If you chew jaba, at least wash it with hot water first because of the pesticides that may be left on the leaves," Kwambox said
She noted that the advice was intended to encourage safer consumption practices rather than discourage people from consuming the crop.
Read Also
Embu Sevens preps on track as Tusker donates Sh1.5m Rugby
St. Joseph Starlets Murang’a Crowned New Champions as LYSA Defends Central Regional Title Sports
200 golfers set for NCBA Golf Series action at Kiambu Golf

Concerns Over Pesticide Use

During the conversation, Kwambox also expressed concern about pesticide use in farming. She claimed that the high number of cancer cases reported in Meru County could be linked to exposure to agricultural chemicals.
"There are many cancer cases in Meru, and I believe pesticides could be part of the problem," she said.
Kwambox // Instagram
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), some pesticides have been associated with increased cancer risks under certain conditions, but the level of risk depends on factors such as the type of chemical, duration of exposure and safety measures taken during use. They also stress that pesticide residues on food are regulated through maximum residue limits in many countries.

Growing Conversation on Food Safety

Kwambox's comments have renewed public discussion about food safety, pesticide use and consumer awareness in Kenya.
Agricultural experts often advise farmers to follow approved pesticide application guidelines and observe recommended pre-harvest intervals to minimise chemical residues on produce. Consumers are also encouraged to wash fresh produce thoroughly before consumption as part of general food hygiene practices.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and other regulatory agencies oversee standards relating to agricultural production and food safety.

Social Media Reactions

The podcast episode attracted varied reactions from viewers.
Some of the comments included:

Kwambox // Instagram

Brian Mwangi: "Whether it's jaba or vegetables, washing produce properly is always a good habit."
Faith Wanjiku: "Food safety should be taken seriously. More public awareness is needed."
Kevin Otieno: "Interesting discussion. It would be good to hear from health experts too."
Mercy Njeri: "We need more research and education on pesticide use."
Dennis Kiptoo: "The conversation raises important questions about farming practices."