Trade –Government has jumped in to mediate between Mugukaa traders and county governments as ban of substance takes center stage.
President William Ruto, who on Monday, May 28, presided over a stakeholder meeting in Embu County reported discussing the impasse so that to find an amicable solution.
In his statement to the media, Dr. Ruto noted that, as of now, Mugukaa remains a scheduled crop and only a discussion can resolve the current standoff between governments and traders.
“I have held a productive meeting with the leaders of Embu County on the recent ban on Mugukaa. We have agreed that Miraa/Muguka being a scheduled crop, a meeting be convened to discuss the issue. Consequently, I have directed the Ministry of Agriculture to convene a forum of all parties and stakeholders concerned,” Ruto shared.
This meeting having been triggered by the move by two coastal counties which last week announced the ban.
Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamda Shariff Nasir led the pack in stopping the business which it termed as harmful.
According to Governor Nassir, Muguka traders have ignored laws put in place to safeguard children from the drug’s influence.
“We have tried to come up with regulations so that users and the larger community can co-exist but they have refused and for this reason I have consulted legally and found my decree to be in order,” said Nassir.
“I have signed an executive order to ban the entry of Mugukaa into Mombasa and to ban the sale and consumption of Mugokaa into Mombasa.”
Nassir further highlighted the detrimental effects of Mugukaa consumption on people’s health not only in his county but across the country.
And on Saturday, county enforcement officers in Kilifi County started enforcing the same Executive Order issued Friday by Governor Gideon Mung’aro banning the sustenance entry, transportation, distribution, sale.
Governor Mung’aro ordered all enforcement officers to ensure the directive is enforced in totality as per the Executive Order No. 1 of 2024.
