The decision by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to outlaw the sale and consumption of muguka in the coastal county has gained widespread support across various parts of the country, with Muslim leaders in the North Rift region throwing their weight behind the initiative.
Under the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), religious leaders want miraa and muguka categorized as banned drugs, citing their contribution to increased juvenile crimes in the country.
“The consumption of miraa and muguka is the driving factor behind drug abuse, including the intake of second-generation alcohol and hard drugs like heroin and bhang; the trade needs to be outlawed,” said CIPK North Rift Chairman Sheikh Abubakar Bini.
According to the clerics, the stimulants are sold openly, making it easy for youth to access them.
In a gazette notice issued on Wednesday, May 22, Mr Nassir outlawed the entry, transportation, sale, and consumption of Muguka and its products within Mombasa County.
“…….by the authority vested in me by the constitution and existing laws, I hereby order and direct a total prohibition on the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of Muguka and all its products within Mombasa County,” the executive order states.
The governor directed that all outlets selling or distributing the products, whether retail or wholesale, be closed immediately.
He also stated that no motor vehicles transporting the products would be allowed entry into the county and ordered the county departments to enforce the order without exception.
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Mr Nassir stated that he derived the powers to ban the sale of muguka without public participation from Chapter 1 of the Constitution 2010 Article 2, which states that sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and they can either exercise it directly or through their elected leaders.
He explained that he consulted the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (Nacada) and other leading agencies in the war against drug abuse before arriving at the decision.
Mr Nassir stated that science has proven that consumption of muguka causes mental health diseases and disabilities. It also leads to other devastating health, socio-economic, and environmental consequences, placing a burden on minors, families, and county systems.
A few days ago, traders pleaded with the governor to allow them to self-regulate. Among the concerns of Mombasa leaders is that muguka is sold near schools at a cheaper price.
“Our children can get a sachet of Muguka for as little as Sh20 near the schools. This cannot be allowed under my watch,” said Nassir during a media briefing in Mombasa.
Political leaders from Meru and Embu, including Governor Cecily Mbarire and Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, recently tried unsuccessfully to persuade Mr Nassir not to ban the miraa and muguka trade in Mombasa.
By Barbara Owano
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