Governors from the coast region snubbed a stakeholder’s consultative forum convened to address concerns raised on the sale and use of Muguka.
The six governors were no show at the forum held at Maanzoni in Machakos on Thursday and only stakeholders from the muguka growing counties including Meru, Embu and Kirinyaga attended the meeting.
In their resolution, the stakeholders called on President William Ruto to help end the stalemate following the ban imposed on the stimulant by the coast leaders.
Led by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire,the stakeholders argued that the ban had adverse economic effects in the muguka growing areas and called for a speedy resolution on the impasse.
“Miraa and muguka is a key pillar of economic growth in the country as it generates over Sh13.1 billion in revenue,” said Mbarire.
They also appealed to the government to ensure the court order lifting the ban on muguka issued on May 28 is fully enforced to protect traders.
The stakeholders also called for immediate and unconditional release of all traders arrested in relation to the ban.
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They also noted that the application of different levies and taxes for the stimulant was discriminative and open to abuse.
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku called for the arrest of Mombasa Governor Sherrif Nassir for defying the court order that suspended the ban.
Ruku said the ban was not based on any scientific research on the dangers of the stimulant and read mischief on the way it was being implemented.
‘‘The governor should have consulted widely before imposing the ban. The executive order does not meet the required threshold,’ said the MP.
– By KNA / Roselyne Kavoo and Vivian Kioko
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