Lamu joins Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta as the fourth county to enforce such a ban, following announcements made by the coastal counties last month.

In a June 5 letter to the Coast Parliamentary Group, MP Geoffrey Ruku asked the leaders to reconsider their refusal to attend a consultative forum on emerging issues on miraa and muguka.

The legislator argued that determining whether a substance is a drug or not is a matter of scientific testing, not parliamentary debate.

Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Tana River, and Lamu counties, which form the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani economic bloc, want to speak directly with President William Ruto, not go through the CS, with whom a meeting is set for Thursday.

They say Governor Fatuma Achani's sharp increase of charges to Sh300,000 per lorry is not enough to curb addiction to the stimulant.

Addressing the criticism from some Mt. Kenya leaders who claimed the ban harmed farmers economically, Governor Abdulswamad stressed that his actions were not targeting at any particular tribe or region but were solely for the benefit of his constituents.

While many users view chewing muguka as a harmless activity, scientists warn that its widespread use could pose significant risks.

After the incident at Radio Rahma, Governor Abdulswamad asserted that attempts to intimidate him would fail while only fueling his determination to rid his county of the stimulant he says has left many young people in rehabilitation centres.

The governor reported the seizure and destruction of 85 bags of muguka in the operation.

President Ruto noted that while the government is committed to the fight against drugs, illicit brews, and other illegal substances, muguka is recognised by national law.