Coast MPs to table amendments seeking to ban Muguka sale

Coast Members of Parliament have reiterated their unified stance to ban Muguka from the region following extensive deliberations and consultations with health and legal experts today.

The parliamentarians expressed their intention to bring the issue to the legislative floor, where they will seek amendments to laws governing the sale of Muguka.

MPs, including Wundanyi's Danson Mwashako, expressed strong opposition to Muguka, pledging to seek legislative changes to restrict its sale. Mwashako declared that coast leaders will reject the entry of the product into the region.

“It is not just about driving our children mad or turning them into zombies. Expertise has shown that Muguka kills male reproductive cells at a rate exceeding 50 per cent. If our boys continue consuming Muguka, then in the future, we will have no society to be proud of," Mwashako stated.

"That is why today, as Members of Parliament, we are taking this war to the next level. Today we have agreed with one voice, we will take this matter to Parliament to change the laws that permit or facilitate the sale of Muguka in the coastal region. We insist that the whole country must respect the decisions made by counties,” he added.

According to Mwashako, experts showcased the effects of Muguka at the meeting, indicating that the consequences of being hooked on the product are very severe. The experts included doctors and other professionals who have studied psychology.

They helped us understand the challenges we face in the coastal region. There have been presentations by experts, including those working with Mewa Hospital here in Mombasa,” the MP detailed.

“We assert that the coast will not be a place to bring in substances that harm or destroy the future generations of our children. We have agreed that the fight we are now engaged in is against Muguka. For now, we have not discussed matters related to Miraa. We have stated that we do not want Muguka in the coastal region. Those who insist on bringing Muguka here should let their own children consume it. As parents and relatives of coastal people, we reject Muguka," he added.

According to the MP, counties have the authority to reject any product they deem hazardous and their decisions should be respected nationwide. Mwashako referred to President William Ruto's decision to overturn Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Kilifi's ban on Muguka after meeting leaders from Embu County, led by Governor Cecily Mbarire. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was also present at the meeting.

On Thursday, May 27, the President declared that while the government is committed to the fight against drugs, illicit alcohol, and other illegal substances, muguka is legal under national law.

Kilifi inspectorate officers burn boxes of Muguka following the directive from Governor Gideon Mung’aro banning the product in the county. President Ruto, however, nullified the order on May 27, 2024. (Photo: Kilifi County)

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya echoed Mwashako's sentiments, warning against any attempts to intimidate Coast leaders.

"We, as Coast leaders, will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by leaders from other regions. We are also part of the government, and we have the numbers. We will not allow Muguka to be sold here," Baya pledged.

He added, "They think they have power because they can influence the President. We have sacrificed to have numbers in Parliament. If they want to sell Muguka, they should find alternative markets, not the Coast. We will form vigilante groups to prevent Muguka from entering."

Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga expressed disappointment with the government's handling of the Muguka issue, saying "It was a big disappointment to see leaders from one region meeting the President about Muguka. This is total blackmail for the people of the Coast. If the government does not support us, we will take action."

EALA MP Hassan Sarai criticised the economic interests behind the Muguka trade, adding that the coastal leaders cannot be sold fear.

"It is hypocrisy to protect the interests of one region while harming another. We will take all necessary steps to ensure Muguka does not reach Mombasa and the entire Coast," Hassan warned.

Kilifi County Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu voiced concerns as a mother, indicating that the coastal residents will not be intimidated into losing their future generations to Muguka. She regretted Ruto's decision to listen to Embu's leaders alone before making his decision.

Coast Senators also announced they will not attend a scheduled meeting between coastal leaders and Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi on Thursday, June 6, accusing the latter of a conflict of interest. Linturi hails from Meru, which is dominated by Muguka and Miraa traders.

"CS Agriculture Mithika Linturi is supposed to meet senators and governors at a meeting on Thursday. We, as Coast senators, will not attend that meeting because Linturi is not an independent person. Muguka and Miraa come from his region," said Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki.

Faki further emphasised the senators' concern over the impact of Muguka on the Coast region's youth and economy.

"We cannot discuss Muguka when Linturi is chairing the meeting. He must ensure Muguka does not reach the Coast because that is our responsibility as coastal leaders according to the constitution," he added.

The senators argued that Muguka has severe social and economic effects on the Coast's youth, leading to addiction and hindering their education and prospects.