Kenya Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale  on Sunday urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to spearhead the campaign against Muguka amid increasing efforts to prohibit its sale and use.

Speaking in Eastleigh during the inauguration of a business center, Duale highlighted Gachagua’s successful efforts in combating the consumption of illicit alcohol and drugs, emphasizing that his involvement is crucial in curbing the use of Muguka.

“If we are fighting alcohol in Central Kenya, Rift Valley and every part of Kenya we must also fight Muguka,” said Duale.

I will ask the Deputy President in the next two weeks to call [for] that conference because he is the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and we candidly discuss the effects of Muguka on certain regions and communities.”

The ban on the widely consumed stimulant Muguka was initially declared by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who emphasized its rampant use along the Coast, including among school children.

Following this, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro also ordered an immediate ban on the entry, transportation, distribution, and sale of Muguka within the county.

In Kwale, a similar ban has been imposed, coupled with new punitive measures.

The finance bill for Kwale County 2024 proposes that traders must now pay Ksh.50,000 for single business licenses and permits, up from the current Ksh.10,000, to continue selling the commodity.

Meanwhile, the northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera are considering joining the coastal counties in imposing the ban.

However, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has stated that county-level bans on Muguka are invalid.

CS Linturi explained that Muguka is classified as a scheduled crop under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023, which were approved by the Council of Governors after being passed by the National Assembly and Senate, respectively.

Also Read: Kilifi Governor Bans Use And Sale Of Muguka