Coast leaders demand independent probe into Muguka effects

Coast region leaders have called for an independent investigation into the effects of Muguka, amidst growing concerns about its impact on local youth.

They propose that researchers from Mombasa and Embu undertake this study and present their findings to President William Ruto.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba voiced the leaders' collective stance, emphasising the adverse effects of Muguka on young people in the Coast region.

"We don't want muguka on the coast because it affects our youth. We ask the President to have experts from Mombasa, Embu, or any other place investigate and examine the harmful effects of this plant," Bedzimba stated.

"People have taken to wearing school uniforms while chewing Muguka. We have been fighting drugs like heroin and cocaine for a long time, and even today, we continue this fight. There are no fields of heroin or cocaine in Mombasa, they come from outside, and we want security forces to stop them."

Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele also supported the initiative, asserting the Coast leaders' united front against Muguka.

"We stand firm with the governor on the issue of Muguka. Lawmakers from other regions insult us out of anger. Just as palm wine is sold here, they should sell their crops in their regions," Machele said, highlighting the disparity in how local products and stimulants from other regions are treated.

"We are behind the governor's position and will not waver because he has our support," Jomvu MP Badi Twalib said.

Biases

This sentiment was echoed by Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, who claimed the President was favouring one side in the debate.

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"The governor has given us guidance, we don't want muguka. We follow his lead. As Coast leaders, we were very upset when the President seemed to take sides. When two people argue, you don't take one and lock out the other. The President has become an interested party," Thoya remarked.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya emphasised that the Coast region would not be coerced into consuming Muguka, citing its harmful effects and asserting their constitutional rights against discrimination.

"We are also in government," Baya said, "But others think they are closer to power because they have access to the President and can talk to him anytime. We are protected by the Constitution against any kind of discrimination, whether at the executive level."

However, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir stressed the health concerns associated with Muguka use and warned against politicising the issue.

"Mombasa County was the first to say we don't want muguka. This is a position we will continue with. In Mombasa, I have employed people from Embu and Meru. Your words will not shake us," Abdulswamad said.

"We are a story of strong and united people. If the trumpet you are blowing will hurt our ears, we will blow our own trumpet."

The leaders made their comments during the launch of the third phase of the Mombasa Yangu Youth Empowerment Programme on Saturday.

They praised the program, which aims to benefit local youths through employment and skill development.

"We are aware of the unemployment challenges facing the young people of Mombasa. This is why we have prioritised the fifth phase of Mombasa Yangu, which will provide meaningful work for over 3,000 youth from every ward of Mombasa," Abdulswamad noted.