Kwale Governor Fatma Achani has declared that the county will not implement a ban on Muguka within its borders.
Instead, the governor has pledged to collaborate with other regions in tackling the misuse of Muguka and intends to explore legal avenues to regulate its usage.
“As the leadership of this county, we join the rest in fighting the misuse of muguka. Of course, we will not ban the use of muguka because of legal issues. However, we are also following the stipulated legalities to ensure that the use of muguka is regulated,” Achani stated.
She further urged individuals, including consumers of Muguka, hard drugs, and alcohol, to prioritize their health and well-being.
“I urge everyone, including those consuming muguka, hard drugs and alcohol that it’s everyone’s personal initiative to take good care of their health,” she added.
“We won’t ban muguka in Kwale County,” Governor Fatuma Achani says pic.twitter.com/jgoxAZC0Ce
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 28, 2024
War on muguka
This decision from Kwale County comes in the wake of neighbouring Kilifi County’s imposition of a ban on Muguka, encompassing its entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro issued an official statement directing the enforcement of this ban and the closure of all Muguka selling outlets.
Mombasa County also recently enforced a ban on Muguka, with Governor Abdulswamad Nassir signing an executive order to prohibit its entry, transportation, trade, and consumption within the county.
Governor Nassir framed this action as a means to protect the younger generation from the adverse effects of substance abuse.
However, Embu County’s administration has expressed concerns about the economic repercussions of such bans.
Governor Cecily Mbarire highlighted the significant contribution of Muguka to Embu’s economy, estimating an annual contribution of approximately Ksh22 billion.
Legal consultations are underway in Embu to challenge the ban, underscoring the economic importance of Muguka to both Embu and Kilifi counties.
In a related development, traders of Miraa have filed a lawsuit against Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the Kenya Airports Authority over the introduction of a Ksh4000 levy per vehicle entering Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with Miraa cargo.
The Nyambene Miraa Trade Association (NYAMITA) argues that these charges are oppressive and unconstitutional, negatively impacting the Miraa industry’s export, revenues, and livelihoods of farmers and traders.
They assert that these levies were introduced without stakeholder consultation and without justification, seeking the court’s intervention to rectify the situation.
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