Mining CS Salim Mvurya has urged for a national dialogue to find a comprehensive solution to regulating muguka. He highlighted the detrimental impact of the drug on the lives of many youths in the coastal region, emphasizing the urgent need for regulation.
Speaking on Saturday at Mwandamo village in Msambwenj, Kwale County, during the commemoration of World Ocean Day, Mvurya emphasized that muguka has numerous side effects similar to other drugs.
He stressed the importance of leadership intervention to safeguard the lives of young people from the harmful effects of the substance.
“Muguka is a stimulant drug, and its effects are devastating, so let’s not lie to one another and instead work on ways in which we can find a better solution to this problem,” he said.
He stressed the importance of collective leadership involvement and agreement in recognizing muguka as a significant threat, labeling it a “time bomb killer” that destroys the aspirations of many young people.
Mvurya expressed his full support for coastal governors’ initiatives to regulate muguka and commended Kwale County for its proactive approach in developing policies to combat the drug.
Applauding Kwale County’s establishment of a law to address muguka and other drug issues, Mvurya noted the boldness of such measures despite muguka being classified as a cash crop. He urged youth involved in drug use to reform and engage in constructive activities instead.
Mvurya emphasized the crucial role of parents in guiding their children away from drug abuse, lamenting the increasing trend of youth addiction due to parental neglect. He underscored the importance of parental responsibility in shaping children into responsible members of society from a young age.
Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo echoed Mvurya’s sentiments, affirming the county’s commitment to eradicate drug abuse. He called upon residents to support Kwale County’s efforts in combating muguka, highlighting its detrimental health implications.