Martha Karua, the leader of the Narc Kenya party, expressed her views on the ban imposed on the sale of muguka in Mombasa and Kilifi counties, deeming it contradictory.
Karua pointed out that while the sale of muguka has been banned in these counties, it is legally recognized by the government of Kenya.
She emphasized the need for clarity from the Ministry of Agriculture regarding its position on muguka to resolve the contradictions arising from the ban.
“In the matter of the muguka ban by Mombasa County and Kilifi County what is the position of @kilimoKE (Ministry of Agriculture) in view of the Crop (Miraa) Regulations 2021 which recognizes both Miraa and Muguka as legitimate, there is an urgent need to resolve this contradiction,” Karua said.
She added that the leaders must discuss openly for a win-win situation.
Karua said the talks must also encompass the war on hard drugs across the country.
“Let’s have an open discussion in search of a win-win situation while also accelerating the war on hard drugs which are a menace not only at the coast but now country-wide,” she added.
Martha Karua’s comments follow closely after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir issued a directive imposing a complete ban on the sale and use of muguka and its products in the county.
According to an executive order dated May 22, Nassir specified that no motor vehicles carrying muguka products would be permitted entry into Mombasa. Furthermore, the order mandated the immediate closure of all outlets, including retail and wholesale establishments, involved in selling or distributing muguka products.
“…The county departments are directed to enforce this order without exception,” it read in part.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s decision to ban the sale and use of muguka in Mombasa was made in consultation with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA).
He highlighted scientific evidence indicating that muguka consumption can lead to mental health issues and disabilities, as well as have negative social, economic, and environmental consequences.
In response, Kilifi County, led by Governor Gideon Mung’aro, issued Executive Order No. 1 of 2024, imposing a similar ban on muguka within the county. The order prohibited the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of muguka, with enforcement officers instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
“In light of the above order, I therefore, with immediate effect, issue a directive to all the Kilifi County enforcement officers through the Directorate of Enforcement to ensure the order is enforced in totality,” Mung’aro said.
The move has elicited various reactions from residents of Mombasa and Kilifi, some supporting the ban while others are protesting against it.
Muguka growing counties have also threatened to move to court to challenge the directives.
