President Ruto Engages Coastal Governors Regarding Muguka Ban

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• President William Ruto has initiated discussions with leaders from Coastal counties and Embu regarding the Muguka ban, aiming to address concerns and reach a consensus.
• The ban, implemented by Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties, follows advocacy efforts citing Muguka’s adverse effects, prompting legal challenges from Embu leaders and petitioners arguing its legality.

President William Ruto has initiated discussions with leaders from Coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta, as well as Embu leaders who have contested the ban on Muguka. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the president announced that the disputing parties had agreed to participate in discussions chaired by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi later in the week.

“I have engaged the governors of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita-Taveta counties on their concerns and challenges in the sale of muguka. 

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Governors Nassir (Mombasa), Gideon Mungaro (Kilifi), and Governor Mwadime (Taita-Taveta) have agreed to participate in a meeting of all stakeholders to be convened by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock this week as was agreed with the leadership of Embu County on Monday,” Ruto announced on X (formerly Twitter).

This development follows a special meeting held between President Ruto and Embu leadership on Monday to address the Muguka ban imposed by select counties. 

During the meeting, CS Linturi criticized Mombasa and Kilifi governors for the ban, labeling it ‘null and void’ and arguing that Muguka is a scheduled crop under the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023.

Last week, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties announced a ban on the entry, transportation, sale, and use of Muguka and its products. 

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa issued the ban, citing the widespread consumption of the stimulant drug, including among school-going children.

The bans were prompted by advocacy efforts by women leaders calling for Muguka’s prohibition and the regulation of miraa due to their adverse effects on the health of young people. 

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire challenged the Muguka ban in court, emphasizing its impact on the livelihoods of her community, which earns approximately Ksh.22 billion annually from its sale.

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Additionally, petitioners Peter Odhiambo Agoro and Michael Mutembe Makarina have filed a lawsuit contesting the ban, arguing that Muguka is not classified as a drug and is thus legal in the country.