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Governor Abdulswamad bans entry, transportation, sale and use of muguka, its products in Mombasa

By Farhiya Hussein | Thursday, May 23, 2024

Scientific evidence highlighting Muguka's detrimental effects on mental health and its broader social, economic, and environmental impacts also significantly influenced the ban.

Mombasa County has enacted a stringent law banning the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of Muguka and its products within its jurisdiction.

The law, signed by Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir on Thursday, takes immediate effect. He said the decision follows extensive public consultations and input from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA).

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Scientific evidence highlighting Muguka's detrimental effects on mental health and its broader social, economic, and environmental impacts also significantly influenced the ban.

Governor Abdulswamad emphasised that the new law aims to protect public health and address substance abuse issues within the county. "The health and well-being of our residents take precedence over any commercial interests," he said.

In addition to the prohibition on Muguka products, the law mandates the closure of all retail and wholesale outlets selling the substance. It also bars vehicles transporting Muguka from entering the county.

The County departments have been directed to enforce these regulations strictly.

This comprehensive ban is part of Mombasa County's ongoing efforts to promote public health and safety, reflecting a broader national initiative to combat drug and substance abuse.

The move was backed by Members of the County Assembly.

Governor Nassir issues Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 banning Muguka. pic.twitter.com/ljtwc4B3Ro
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) May 23, 2024

The Vice Chair of the Assembly Health Committee Fatume Kushe said, “I support 100 percent the stance taken by our governor. I support this initiative. Every city has its laws and regulations that must be respected. No one from outside our county should come and dictate our policies. This will never happen. The sale and consumption of Muguka should be banned in Mombasa County."

"We must not erode our boundaries and principles for the sake of revenue. We do not want that revenue if it compromises our values. Mombasa is a city of civilisation. Our generations are being lost, and families are breaking apart,” she added.

Fatume noted that their research on Muguka revealed it has been prevalent in Mombasa for the past eight years, showing significant adverse effects.

“We will also do research on Miraa and if we realise that it has the same harmful impacts, we will recommend its ban without hesitation,” she said.

Old Town MCA Abdulrahman Hussein said they had tried various measures to control the situation in vain.

"We started by increasing its price, and then we attempted to prevent its sale to students. We even initiated the process of regulating. However, when we saw it was becoming difficult to manage, the Governor consulted and decided to ban it altogether,” he said, adding the house aims to regulate Miraa by introducing proper legislation.

“Currently, the Mombasa County Miraa Control Bill is in its drafting stages. We plan to present it to the house when we resume sitting. This bill is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of our community and maintaining order in Mombasa County.”

The ban comes despite Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir holding meetings with county leaders from Embu and Meru this month.