Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has called on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to spearhead efforts to combat the sale and consumption of Muguka, a widely used stimulant. Speaking in Eastleigh during the opening of a business center, Duale acknowledged Gachagua’s successful campaign against illicit alcohol and drugs and emphasized the need for his involvement in addressing Muguka use.
“If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley, and every part of Kenya, we must also fight Muguka,” Duale stated. He urged Gachagua to convene a conference within the next two weeks to discuss the detrimental effects of Muguka on various regions and communities.
The push to ban Muguka began with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who highlighted the rampant consumption of the stimulant among school children and residents at the Coast. Following suit, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro ordered an immediate ban on the entry, transportation, distribution, and sale of Muguka within the county.
In Kwale, a similar ban has been enacted, accompanied by increased levies on the trade of Muguka. The new finance bill for Kwale County 2024 proposes that traders must now 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 have indicated their intent to join the coastal counties in implementing a Muguka ban.
However, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has asserted that county-level bans on Muguka are legally void. Linturi explained that Muguka is a scheduled crop under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023, both of which were approved by the Council of Governors after being passed by the National Assembly and Senate.
The debate over Muguka continues as national and local leaders grapple with balancing agricultural regulation and public health concerns.
