Taita Taveta becomes third coastal county to ban muguka

Taita Taveta County is now the third county to ban the sale, distribution, and use of muguka, a stimulant, as part of regional efforts to curb abuse in the coast region.

Taita Taveta follows Mombasa and Kilifi counties in making the move, with Governor Andrew Mwadime noting the importance of the unity of coastal governors in addressing the issue.

"We have banned muguka. We are in this with the other coastal governors. The issue of muguka ... we do not want to hear of it again. Muguka has caused us many problems," he said in the Werugha area of the county on Sunday at a gathering to discuss a rise in boda boda crime.

The ban has attracted the attention of cabinet secretaries, including Aisha Jumwa (Gender), who praised Kilifi's executive order and stressed the need for its stringent enforcement.

"I appreciate the executive order issued by the governor - that muguka is banned in Kilifi. I support him. He should ensure county officers man all the entrances to Kilifi. We will not be intimidated by anyone saying 'we will go to court'. Whatever harms a person in Embu also harms a person in Kilifi," she stated.

"The youth have been ruined. The fight against drug abuse was started by the President and here in Kilifi, we say muguka is worse than illicit alcohol and drugs. Therefore, we cannot allow muguka in Kilifi, or the coast. We must protect our children. It is not only for the children but also for the women. Bring anything else for trade, but not things that destroy Kilifi's children. That is non-negotiable [sic."

She urged the governor to stand firm in the fight against the sale, distribution, and use of muguka as "fighting cartels requires bravery).

"They will collect money and come after you. The day we see you lift this ban without a plan, we will start to suspect you," she told Governor Gideon Mung'aro.

The ban is part of a coordinated effort to address the social and economic issues exacerbated by the stimulant and reflects a growing consensus among coastal counties for stricter drug control policies.

It has faced opposition from Embu County, which is planning to sue over the action by Mombasa and Kilifi, arguing it could significantly impact its local economy, which earns approximately Sh22 billion annually from the sale of muguka.

Governor Cecily Mbarire expressed dissatisfaction with the ban, noting it came after she and Embu MCAs met with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and MCAs on May 15, 2024, and established a joint working team to ensure compliance with the product's trade regulations and address issues raised by Mombasa.

In Kwale, some residents have called on their governor, Fatuma Achani, to ban the sale and consumption of muguka in the county.

They applauded Governor Abdulswamad and asked Governor Fatuma to emulate him.

This governor, while banning the commodity, cited scientific evidence that he noted has unequivocally established that muguka consumption causes mental health disease and disability, leading to devastating health, social, economic, and environmental consequences.

He also noted that it places burdens on minors, families, the poor, and county health systems.

Regarding boda boda crime, Governor Mwadime called on riders to be vigilant, noting an increase in cases where young people are beaten, killed, and their motorcycles stolen.

"Boda boda riders, please be careful. In Voi, we have lost many young people. Spread the message because Voi is known for this," he said, adding that a man was recently killed in Mwatate.

"We will catch them soon because investigations have been launched. Let’s be careful," he said.