DJ Xclusive: Society should stop normalising women chewing khat
Veteran entertainer and media personality DJ Xclusive has sparked an online debate after openly questioning why society has normalised women chewing khat, commonly referred to as jaba.
His remarks, shared during a candid discussion, have reignited conversations around gender, cultural habits, and shifting social norms.
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Speaking without holding back in a radio show with Mwalimu Rachel on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, DJ Xclusive said that although he respects personal choices, he does not understand the growing trend of normalising khat chewing among women.
“I know there are people who say, ‘Xclusive umeenda sana’. But I will say this without fear of contradiction. There is nothing cute about a lady ambaye anakula jaba. I am not saying you should not do it, but why have we normalised it? We are not going to pretend that you look cute. Trying to normalise it by saying it is okay? No, it is not,” he stated.
Mwalimu Rachel’s take
His comments immediately sparked reactions, with radio personality Mwalimu Rachel offering a counterpoint. According to her, women who chew khat are not doing so to appear attractive but rather for their own enjoyment.
“They are not looking to be cute; haja yao si kuwa cute, bora kupata raha zao. Maybe it is the same way people used to say beer is not for women. So, when you say miraa is not for women, they also say, ‘haaa,’ and do it anyway,” Rachel said.
Her remarks highlight the cultural tension between traditional perceptions of femininity and the evolving choices of modern women. Where some see khat chewing as unfeminine or unattractive, others argue that it is simply a lifestyle choice, no different from drinking alcohol or smoking—habits that were once deemed “unacceptable” for women.
DJ Xclusive’s blunt comments have generated lively discussions on social media, with opinions divided. Supporters of his stance say that normalising khat chewing among women risks eroding social values and glamorising unhealthy habits. Critics, however, accuse him of double standards, pointing out that society has long tolerated men chewing khat without judgement.
For now, DJ Xclusive’s comments have ensured that the issue of women and khat chewing will remain a hot topic, with no consensus in sight.
