Nairobi
Monday, 3rd June 2024
By Teddy Makori
Minister for Defence Aden Duale asked the Deputy President Gachagua to intensify the war against muguka by banning its sale and consumption.
Speaking during the opening of Eastleigh’s business centre on Sunday, Duale noted that Gachagua was spear heading a good fight against alcohol and illegal drugs in the country adding that Muguka needed prohibition in the country .
“If we are to fight alcoholism in central Kenya, in the Rift Valley and across Kenya, we must also fight Muguka,” Duale said.
“I will ask the deputy President to organise for a meeting within the next two weeks so that we can have a discussion on the impact of Muguka on specific regions and communities.”duale added.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir was the first to announce the ban of muguka, citing the widespread use of muguka in the coastal areas, including school going children.
Similarly,Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro ordered that the entry, transportation, distribution and sale of Mũgũka into kilifi county to be prohibited.
Another ban was also implemented in Kwale, with new added penalty on those found selling muguka.
Meanwhile, three northeastern towns of Wajir, Garissa and Mandera also hinted that they would join the coastal counties in the ban of muguka
.However, the Minister of Agriculture (CS) Mithika Linturi implied that the county’s ban on Mũgũka was wrong according to the constituion .
CS Linturi explained that Muguka is a product which falls under the 2013 Act and the 2023 Miraa Act, which was approved by the Council after being passed by the National Assembly and the Senate respectively.