Coast leaders ready for Monday meeting with Ruto on muguka ban

Coast leaders will meet President William Ruto on Monday to discuss their tough regulations on the muguka and miraa trade, which include a ban in some counties.

During a stakeholders' meeting at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa County on Friday, the leaders said that they were finally ready to meet the president.

Under the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani economic bloc, they had rejected a State House invitation to a meeting, saying they needed to consult other stakeholders, including health experts, civil society and the clergy,

"We got the invitation on Friday last week for the meeting on Tuesday [but] there was no time to consult local leaders and come up with a stand backed by residents. That is why we asked President William Ruto for more time," Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro, who is the bloc's chair, told a stakeholders'

He explained that President Ruto had only invited the six Coast governors to last week's meeting. The others are Abdulswama Sheriff Nassir (Mombasa), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Andrew Mwadime (Taita Tavate), Issa Timamy (Lamu), and Godhana Dhadho Gaddae (Tana River).

"We rejected the earlier invite because this is a community crisis so we have to involve all stakeholders. At the coming meeting, the governors will be accompanied by religious leaders, community elders, civil society officials, and health experts from all six counties, said Governor Mung'aro.

HAPPENING NOW: The entire Leadership of counties from the Coast has gathered in Mombasa to deliberate on the current state of affairs in the war against drug and substance abuse.

We are taking a common stand. More to follow… pic.twitter.com/Ma7Weqwif0

— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) June 21, 2024

Total ban

Abdulswamad said their stand on a total muguka ban remained as it is harmful to the people.

"We do not want regulations. What we want is a total ban. If they bring up regulations, we will continue with the court case," he said, adding the implementation of regulations is costly and yet the results are not effective.

"We have more than 300 schools in Mombasa. Imagine assigning an inspectorate officer to each one to ensure muguka is not sold close to the schools. How much will the county pay in salaries,"he paused.

Abdulswamad noted that when he first banned the stimulant, critics said he was committing political suicide but that they have since joined the fight.

"I was told the muguka ban would be my ticket home come 2027 but I do not care. The conversation should not be about legal provisions for the ben because those are in the Narcotics Act. Muguka contains substances that are harmful to humans, he stated, further citing independent studies.

"If they do not believe us, they should believe the studies. Muguka is not a business but death to our youth."

We have held discussions with the elected leadership, civil society and religious leaders of the Coast; our position is now resolute - we will NOT ACCEPT the sale of muguka or any other drug to our people. This is final. We will not negotiate. pic.twitter.com/KVA8eUFv9I

— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) June 21, 2024

Side effects

A presentation by Dr Yakoub Ahmed of the Coast General Hospital and other medical practitioners detailed the severe effects of Mugokaa.

"Muguka consists of harmful prohibited substances that lead to devastating consequences such as hallucinations, mental disturbances, heart attacks, and more," he explained.

The medics outlined the nine types of muguka and their dangers, including the promotion of insecurity, juvenile gangs, erectile dysfunction, depression, and infidelity.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko noted that muguka has caused significant social and health issues in the region.

"Let us wake up. Why are they forcing the crop on coastal communities? The crop is consumed in Nairobi. Why can't they sell it there and leave us alone?"

Mwadime said coastal governors were armed with more than one plan to ensure muguka is not sold in their jurisdictions.

"There are many ways to kill a cat. We want a total ban but if that fails, we have backup plans to ensure the crop does not enter the Coast region," he said, insisting that they must speak with one voice when they meet the president.

"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," he said.