Coast region governors under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani Economic Bloc, have declined Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi’s invitation for a meeting to address the Muguka ban issue.
In a collective response dated June 2, governors from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta expressed reluctance to engage with Linturi, citing concerns about his perceived impartiality on the matter. They pointed to Linturi’s previous public statements regarding the Muguka ban, suggesting that his stance could undermine the objectivity of any discussion.
“Given your public statements regarding the Muguka ban, we question your ability to serve as a neutral mediator,” the governors stated in their letter.
Recognizing the significance of the Coast region’s concerns regarding both socio-economic and public health aspects, the governors proposed that any future discussions regarding the Muguka ban should be presided over by President William Ruto rather than the Agriculture CS. They emphasized the importance of involving key stakeholders such as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) and the Ministry of Health in the deliberations.
Furthermore, the governors emphasized that the issue at hand transcended mere agricultural considerations, highlighting its broader implications on health, security, and the economy in the coastal region. They stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to address these multifaceted challenges.
“We believe that a holistic approach, involving various stakeholders including security agencies and civil society, is necessary to address the negative impact of Muguka trade in our region,” the governors asserted.
Pointing out the accessibility of Muguka to minors due to its affordability and short harvest time compared to Miraa, the governors underscored the urgency of the situation and called for concerted efforts to address it.
In conclusion, the governors extended an invitation to CS Linturi to support their proposal for a consultative meeting chaired by the head of state, which would include relevant cabinet secretaries and key stakeholders to devise a comprehensive strategy to tackle the Muguka issue effectively.
