Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to spearhead the campaign against Muguka amidst increasing efforts to ban its sale and consumption.
Speaking in Eastleigh during the inauguration of a business center, Duale highlighted Gachagua’s successful efforts in combating illicit alcohol and drugs, emphasizing the need for similar action against Muguka.
“If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley, and every part of Kenya, we must also fight Muguka,” Duale stated. “I will ask the Deputy President in the next two weeks to call for that conference because he is the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, and we candidly discuss the effects of Muguka on certain regions and communities.”
The call for a ban on Muguka, a popular stimulant, was initially announced by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who cited its widespread consumption, including among schoolchildren. Following Nassir’s lead, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro also imposed an immediate ban on the entry, transportation, distribution, and sale of Muguka within Kilifi County.
In Kwale, a similar ban has been enforced, accompanied by new levies introduced in the county’s finance bill for 2024. Traders wishing to continue selling Muguka will now have to pay Ksh.50,000 for single business licenses and permits, a significant increase from the current Ksh.10,000.
Additionally, the northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera are considering joining the coastal counties in implementing the ban.
However, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has argued that county-level bans on Muguka are invalid. CS Linturi clarified that Muguka is a scheduled crop under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023, which were approved by the Council of Governors and passed by both the National Assembly and Senate.
As the debate over Muguka continues, the need for a unified and effective strategy to address its impact on communities remains a pressing issue for Kenyan authorities.
