Coast

Coastal governors meet Raila ahead of engaging Ruto on muguka row

Coastal governors Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi) Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa) meet opposition leader Raila Odinga in Nairobi on Monday, June 24, 2024, ahead of their scheduled meeting with President William Ruto. (Photo: Abdulswamad Nassir)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, June 24, 2024

The governors are expected to present their grievances to Ruto, including the contentious issue of muguka, a stimulant that has sparked significant debate countrywide over the past months.

Coastal governors, including Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani Chairman Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi Governor), together with his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir, met with opposition leader Raila Odinga today in Nairobi ahead of their scheduled meeting with President William Ruto.

The governors are expected to present their grievances to Ruto, including the contentious issue of muguka, a stimulant that has sparked significant debate countrywide over the past months.

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Raila, speaking on the meeting with the governors, stated, "We had a lively discussion with the governors of Kilifi and Mombasa counties, where we discussed their ongoing concerns and regional development goals."

Governor Nassir added that they debriefed their party leader, Raila Odinga, upon their arrival in Nairobi.

"We received valuable insights and guidance on the current state of affairs in the country. Our young people must be respected.”

Governor Mung’aro echoed these sentiments on his social media pages, saying that they got valuable guidance on the country's current state.

Along with their statements, they posted photos from the meeting, which was also attended by key opposition figures, including Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

The coastal governors had implemented a ban on stimulants in their relevant counties before President William Ruto nullified their directives, arguing that Muguka is a scheduled crop under the Crops Act 2013.

Coastal governors Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi) Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa) meet opposition leader Raila Odinga and key opposition figures, including Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed in Nairobi on Monday, June 24, 2024, (Photo: Abdulswamad)

Abdulswamad resorted to increasing cess fees from Sh60,000 to Sh3 million per truck ferrying muguka as a countermeasure.

On Friday, the governors met with health experts, religious leaders, and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani economic bloc.

The coastal leaders unanimously agreed to oppose the use of muguka in the region and sought to present a united front in their discussions with the president.

During a stakeholders' meeting at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa County on Friday, the leaders emphasised the importance of a collective stance.

Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime underscored the unity, stating, "Let's have the same number of representatives from all the counties to achieve equal representation. After the meeting, let us evaluate to see what we have done and achieved."

In parallel, MPs Opiyo Wandayi and Junet Mohamed are scheduled to appear in Parliament tomorrow for discussions on the Finance Bill 2024. The opposition MPs have firmly expressed their intention to reject the bill.

The outcome of today's meeting with President Ruto is eagerly anticipated, as it will significantly impact the region's stance on the muguka issue and potentially influence national policy.