The Embu High Court has suspended the decrees of the Mombasa and Kilifi governors, which outlawed the trade and consumption of Muguka in their regions, amid a spirited outcry among farmers in the counties.
In a ruling on Tuesday, May 28, Justice Lucy Njuguna issued conservatory orders, stopping the governors from interference with the Muguka trade at the coast, pending a court hearing for the filed case.
Kutherema Muguka Sacco and the Embu County Assembly went to court to seek conservatory orders to prevent the two governors from implementing the ban.
Justice Njuguna stated that the court was convinced that the application by the two entities warranted urgent attention.
“A conservatory order be and is hereby granted restraining and/or stopping the respondents and or its agents from effecting, implementing and or enforcing [the ban] until the July 8 when the application shall be heard,” the ruling stated.
Muguka farmers welcomed the ruling, saying that justice had been served.
“We welcome the conservatory orders, it is a win on our side,” said a farmer at the Muraru Muguka Market in Mbeere South.
On Saturday, hundreds of Muguka farmers, led by Embu County Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo and Women Representative Njoki Njeru, held demonstrations in Embu Town, protesting what they considered an illegal move.
- Embu farmers decry ban of muguka in Mombasa
- Linturi: Kenya to sign miraa deal with Somalia next month
- Muguka dealers seek Ruto’s help as governors skip talks
They criticised the decision of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir stating they were not consulted before the ban on the stimulant was imposed to provide their views.
“It is unfair for Mombasa to ban the sale of muguka, which is a cash crop that locals depend on for survival. Growing and selling of muguka is a legal business, and the position taken in Mombasa is illegal,” Ms Njeru said.
Their cries grew louder after hearing that Kilifi and Taita-Taveta counties had issued similar decrees. This attracted the attention of President William Ruto, who called and asked the governors to discuss the issues with the stakeholders.
Following the President’s intervention, a meeting of stakeholders has been convened by the Ministry of Agriculture this week to discuss the matter.
“The three Governors agreed to participate in a meeting of stakeholders to be convened by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock this week,” said a statement posted on the President’s X account.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
