In summary
- Mombasa and Kilifi Counties have banned Moguka
- Embu County Government heads to court over the ban
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir now says he is ready to face court over Muguka ban vowing to do what it takes to ensure the plant sales,supply and consumption in his county is suppressed.
According to Nassir, Ameru and Aembu people can produce other crops that are beneficial to the society not Muguka that has now prove harmful to users.
He avers that the ban will save generations that is now lost into the drug and that he will be firm to ensure it’s totally eradicated.
“Why can the same soil grow something that we can be able to eat, why does it have to be something that is continuously causing problem for us.It doesn’t matter,any court case that will come on board will not mean the end of this matter.’’ Nassir said.
Legal Threat
According to Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire Mbarire she will protect the consumption of the popular drug in court and that actions by the two counties were illegal and irrational.
She adds that Muguka business injects about Sh22 billion per year in Embu’s economy.
“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.The County Government of Embu and County Assembly of Embu have engaged their legal teams to move to court and seek guidance on the matter. I urge muguka farmers and players in the value chain to exercise calm as we seek avenues to resolve this stalemate.” Mbarire said.
Not Illegal Drug
Mbarire opines that Muguka is not harmful to anyone’s health and tahts why it is legal in the country.
“Muguka is a variety of Miraa by taste, product and active ingredient which is still cathinone. The crop is Khat and Miraa as well as Muguka is the local name for Khat. The scheduled crop is Catha edulis which represents all varieties of Miraa which includes Muguka and any other crop that may emerge and contains Catha edulis.There is no law separating Miraa from Muguka and no single law prohibiting its sale or consumption. Muguka is therefore not a drug.” Mbarire added
