Coast

Pastoralist Parliamentary Group endorses Muguka ban to protect youth, schoolchildren

Mandera North MP Maj. Rtd Bashir Abdullahi. [Handout]

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, June 5, 2024

In a statement, the PPG expressed deep concern over the widespread consumption of Muguka, particularly among the youth.

The Pastoralist Parliamentary Group (PPG) has thrown its support behind the growing movement to ban Muguka, citing its harmful impacts on youth and schoolchildren.

The PPG, led by the chair Bashir Abdullahi, who is also Mandera North MP, emphasised the critical need to prioritise the well-being of the younger generation.

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In a statement, the PPG expressed deep concern over the widespread consumption of Muguka, particularly among the youth.

"As leaders, our priority is the well-being of our community, especially the younger generation, who deserve the opportunity for a promising future," the statement read.

The PPG outlined several key reasons for their support of the ban. Firstly, they highlighted the mental health issues associated with Muguka use.

They cited a report by the Mombasa Women Empowerment Rehabilitation Centre that reported that 80 per cent of mental health problems observed on the streets of Mombasa are linked to overconsumption of Muguka.

“Muguka contains amphetamine-like substances that can cause psychotic conditions like those associated with cannabis. It also contains high levels of stimulants that impair normal body functions, leading to health conditions such as insomnia and mouth ulcers from daily chewing,” they noted.

Muguka on sale in Eastleigh, Nairobi, in this file picture. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif/EV)

The group also pointed to the social disintegration caused by Muguka, stating that increased cases of domestic violence and broken marriages have been reported, with couples indicating that excessive Muguka consumption by either partner adversely affects their relationships.

“Initially, Muguka use was more common among men, but now reports indicate that the number of women who chew Muguka has increased to 40 per cent in the coastal region,” the group stated.

The PPG expressed concern about the growing trend of Muguka use among youth and schoolchildren, which has led to a rise in school dropouts and increased crime rates.

They noted that this trend is not limited to the Coast region but is spreading across the country, posing a significant threat to community stability and safety.

Additionally, the economic burden of Muguka on families was highlighted by the PPG.

“Families bear significant financial burdens due to healthcare costs associated with treating Muguka-related health issues. Additionally, the decreased productivity of addicted individuals affects household income and economic stability.”

The PPG commended the governors of Mombasa and Kilifi for their decisive actions in banning Muguka and called on other governors to implement similar bans in all 15 counties represented by the group.

They praised the initiative of their colleagues from the Coast region who have sponsored a bill to ban Muguka, viewing it as a crucial step toward safeguarding the future of Kenya's young population.

"We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of our communities, particularly the youth and school-going children, who are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of this substance," the PPG stated.