Duale challenges Gachagua to lead fight against Muguka

Speaking in Eastleigh during the opening of a business centre, Duale noted that Gachagua has led an effective fight against the consumption of illicit alcohol and drugs and his input on taming the consumption of Muguka is needed.

"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 highly consumed stimulant was first announced by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, highlighting the pervasive consumption of the stimulant drug at the Coast, including among school-going children.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro followed suit and likewise ordered an immediate ban on the entry, transportation, distribution, and sale of Mũgũka within the county. 

In Kwale a similar ban has been imposed with an additional punitive measure of introducing new levies that will become law this week.

The finance bill for Kwale County 2024 has proposed that those willing to continue trading in the commodity will now have to pay Ksh.50,000 for single business licenses and permits, up from the current Ksh.10,000. 

Meanwhile, three northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera have hinted at joining the coastal counties in imposing the ban.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has however intimated that County-level bans on Mũgũka are null and void.

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