Coast

Kilifi bans distribution, sale of Muguka and its products in fight against drug abuse

By Mishi Gongo | Friday, May 24, 2024

This decision came just a day after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir issued a similar ban, citing the adverse effects of the stimulant on the youth.

Kilifi County has enacted a stringent law banning the distribution and sale of Muguka and its products within the county in a renewed fight against drug abuse.

In a gazetted notice issued on May 24, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro banned the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of Muguka and its products within Kilifi County.

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This decision came just a day after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir issued a similar ban, citing the adverse effects of the stimulant on the youth.

"In the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 30(2)(1) of the County Government Act and all other enabling laws of Kenya, I hereby order and direct as follows: that there be a total prohibition on the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of Muguka and all its products within Kilifi County," states the executive order.

The order mandates the immediate closure of all retail and wholesale outlets selling or distributing Muguka within the county. Additionally, no motor vehicle transporting the stimulant will be allowed to enter Kilifi County.

Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 on the ban of entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of muguka within Killifi County.

In exercise of the powers conferred in Section 30(2)(1) of the County Government Act and all other enabling laws of Kenya, I, Gideon Maitha Mung'aro,… pic.twitter.com/xaOmzc6oVk
— Gideon M. Mung'aro, OGW (@GideonMungaroM) May 24, 2024

Governor Mung'aro further directed county departments and their agencies to enforce the order rigorously.

"In light of the above order, I therefore, with immediate effect, issue a directive to all Kilifi County enforcement officers through the Directorate of Enforcement to ensure the order is enforced in totality. Any officer found colluding with culprits will face the law and all the disciplinary actions there are."

Muguka is a prevalent stimulant among youths and minors in Kwale, Kilifi, and Mombasa. Experts from these coastal counties have identified Muguka as a contributor to mental illness. Other reported effects include loss of fertility and decreased libido in men.