Northern Kenya

Garissa MPs urge Governor Nathif to ban muguka in county

Dadaab MP Farah Maalim addressing residents. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

By Issa Hussein | Saturday, June 1, 2024

The legislators noted that the stimulant plant is toxic, and its consumption should never be sanctioned under the guise of economic empowerment.

Members of parliament from Garissa County are urging Governor Nathif Jama to take decisive action and ban muguka from Garissa County.

Dadaab MP Farah Maalim and his Lagdera counterpart Abdikadir Hussein Mohamed, have called on the governor to expedite efforts to prohibit the crop in Garissa County.

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Farah Maalim, the former deputy speaker, emphasised the importance of banning the crop, highlighting that Kilifi and Mombasa counties had already done so.

"As a religious figure and a leader who understands the destructive impact of the muguka drug on our local youth, we expect you to take a firm stance on this issue, and we will fully support you," said Farah.

The legislators noted that the stimulant plant is toxic, and its consumption should never be sanctioned under the guise of economic empowerment.

Speaking at Madogashe in Lagdera Constituency during the Madaraka Day celebration and the launch of the newly elevated Madogashe Municipality, the MP stressed that only a healthy society can contribute to the sustainable and meaningful development of the country. He cited Singapore's success in combating drug abuse as an example.

The MP also expressed concerns about the smuggling of cannabis from Ethiopia through the Moyale-Wajir-Garissa route, urging security personnel to remain committed to ending the drug cartel.

Lagdera MP echoed the call for Governor Nathif to take bold action and ban the transportation and consumption of muguka.

He criticised those opposing the ban for ignoring its detrimental effects, which he claimed turn many youth into zombies.

In line with the fight against illicit brewing in central Kenya and other parts of the country, local leaders from North Eastern and the Coast are committed to combating muguka, according to Abdikadir.

However, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama remained non-committal in his response to the MPs' call during his public address at Madogashe Primary School on Madaraka Day.

On Wednesday, officials from the Garissa branch of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem), led by Abdullahi Salat, the chairman of the Garissa branch and National Secretary of Supkem, urged governors from North Eastern to ban the consumption and transportation of muguka in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.