Aden Duale, the cabinet secretary for defense, urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to lead the campaign against Muguka in the face of growing pressure to outlaw its sale and consumption on Sunday.
Speaking during the launch of a business center in Eastleigh, Duale stated that Gachagua has spearheaded a successful campaign against the use of illegal narcotics and alcohol, and that his assistance is required in curbing Muguka usage.
“If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley and every part of Kenya we must also fight Muguka,” said Duale.
“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.”
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa first declared the prohibition on the commonly consumed stimulant, drawing attention to the drug’s widespread use throughout the Coast, especially among children enrolled in school.
Governor Gideon Mung’aro of Kilifi County likewise issued an immediate ban on the sale, distribution, and entry of Mũgũka into the county, following suit.
A similar prohibition has been put in place in Kwale, along with new taxes that will go into effect this week as an extra punitive measure.
Those who choose to continue trading in the product would now need to pay Ksh.50,000 for single business licenses and permits, up from the current Ksh.10,000, according to the Kwale County 2024 finance law.
Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera, three northeastern counties, have alluded to joining the coastal counties in enforcing the prohibition.
However, Mithika Linturi, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, has hinted that county-level prohibitions on Mũgũka are void.
CS Linturi clarified that Mũgũka is a crop that is planned under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023, which were passed by the National Assembly and Senate, respectively, and approved by the Council of Governors.
