Coast

Kaya elders back muguka ban in Coastal counties

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By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Kaya elders from Kilifi have voiced their strong support for the ban on the stimulant, citing its detrimental effects on the community.

The elders called for continued enforcement of the ban across coastal counties.

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"Muguka use has brought numerous adverse effects to our community," stated Joseph Karisa, Secretary of the Malindi District Association (MADCA).

"Kenya has 47 counties, and we see no reason why our six coastal counties should be compelled to accept this substance that causes our children to neglect their education, lose their future, and even suffer mental illness. Muguka has severe mental health repercussions."

The governors of Mombasa (Abdulswamad Nassir), Kilifi (Gideon Mung’aro) and Taita Taveta (Andrew Mwadime) have already imposed a ban on the sale of muguka in their counties.

In Kwale, Governor Fatuma Achani has significantly increased the transportation fee for Muguka from Sh30,000 to Sh300,000 per vehicle, making it economically unfeasible to bring the stimulant into the county.

Restricted sale

While in Lamu County, Governor Issa Timamy has restricted its sale on the streets or around schools and religious institutions.

Kaingu Simba, another elder, expressed his disbelief at the acceptance of Muguka. "Who was allowed to chew tree leaves? If someone chews tree leaves, what do we call them? They are insane. So why should we be forced to consume these leaves? They claim it's food. If it is truly as they say, why don't they consume it in their regions?"

Hare Kiraga emphasized the local impact of Muguka, despite its legal status nationwide. "It is a legal plant across Kenya, but here it causes harm. We see it because many young people have suffered mentally, families have broken apart, and the social fabric is deteriorating. You find families where everyone has their issues, sometimes due to lack of money, the father leaves with a bedsheet, the mother with a cooking pot to go source for money to buy Muguka. It ruins everything."

Tsuma Nzai highlighted the elders' collaborative efforts with local governors to address the issue. "We have held meetings and are working with the coastal governors who have banned Muguka. We are also urging other governors to meet with the elders so we can start sensitizing our youth."

This Friday, all the leaders at the coast are expected to have a joint meeting where they will announce their next move, this includes whether they will meet President William Ruto next week.

The leaders on Sunday announced they will not be meeting the President today (Tuesday) until they meet as all coastal leaders to present a unified stance on the Muguka issue.

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