With the decree issued by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and his Kilifi counterpart Gideon Mung’aro, all outlets, whether retail or wholesale, involved in selling or distributing muguka within the two Counties are mandated to cease operations immediately.

This however, is a big blow to the livelihoods of Muguka farmers and other players who have invested heavily in its value chain.

Since the ban on Friday, Embu County government threatened to sue the two Counties.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire Mbarire said she would take legal action to protect the livelihoods of her community which she said pockets about Sh22 billion per year from the sale of muguka.

She called on muguka farmers to remain calm as her administration moves to solve the matter.

“The muguka value chain is estimated to contribute approximately Sh22 billion per year to the economy of Embu. Muguka farmers and other players who have invested heavily in the value chain, therefore, stand to lose in terms of revenue and livelihoods,” Mbarire said.

However amidst all these the governor of Mombasa has sworn not to review decisions on the Muguka ban in Mombasa confidently stating that he will not back down or reverse his decisions.

Many people have come forward to dispute the move among them Meru senator Kathuri Murungi. The senator  defended Muguka revealing that he uses the herb and never in his 12 years working in the government has he ever made irrational decisions.

“I Chew every Saturday and the decisions I’ve made as a leader for the last 12 years as a member of Parliament they are always  very rational .I even chair the senators as the deputy speaker I’ve never made any irrational decisions as a deputy speaker even after chewing for whatever hours I can chew I’ve never made  any irrational decisions actually if I don’t chew then I can have a problem,” he revealed.

The recent ban has left many Moguka farmers in limbo as the coastal region was recorded to have a high product purchase for Moguka.