Governor Nassir bans sale, use of muguka in Mombasa

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has now completely banned the sale and use of muguka and its products in the county.

In an executive order dated May 22, Nassir said henceforth no motor vehicles carrying the products will be allowed entry into Mombasa.

A week ago while presiding over an event at Khadija Primary School, the county chief banned miraa and muguka businesses near schools.

He said school-going children should not be exposed to muguka, which is available at low cost adding that he will not negotiate on the safety and well-being of the children of Mombasa.

“If you must do the muguka business, do it in the right place. We should not expose our children to such stimulants. We want them to be involved in education and digital literacy programmes,” he said.

In the order, Nassir also directed that all outlets whether retail or wholesale selling or distributing the products be closed immediately.

“...The county departments are directed to enforce this order without exception,” it reads in part.

He explained that he has made the decision in consultation with the National Authority for the Campaign for Drug Abuse (Nacada).

He observed that the scientific use of muguka has established that it caused mental health disease and disability.

“Leads to devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences and places burdens on minors, families, the poor and county health systems,” it adds.

This, he noted, takes precedence over any commercial or business interest.

Some MCAs from the county are among those that have been pushing for the ban on the sale of the products near places of worship and schools.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has also banned the products in his county noting it is "spoiling children".

Speaking in public forums in Malindi, the governor said it was sad to witness children as young as 10 years old consuming muguka, terming it a threat to the younger generation.