Ruto’s Outspoken CS Has Challenged Gachagua To Lead Fight Against Muguka

Ruto’s Outspoken CS Has Challenged Gachagua To Lead Fight Against Muguka

Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to support the fight against Muguka amid growing calls to prohibit its sale and usage.

Duale, speaking in Eastleigh at the launch of a business centre, stated that Gachagua has led an efficient campaign against the consumption of illicit alcohol and narcotics and that his input on taming Muguka use is required.

“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 extensively consumed stimulant was initially proclaimed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who highlighted the drug’s widespread use on the Coast, notably among school-aged children.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro issued an immediate ban on the entry, transportation, distribution, and sale of Mũgũka in the county.

In Kwale, a similar prohibition has been imposed, along with the introduction of new charges that will go into effect this week.

The Kwale County 2024 finance bill proposes that people who want to continue trading in the commodity pay Ksh.50,000 for single business licenses and permits, up from the current Ksh.10,000.

Meanwhile, three northeastern counties, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera, have hinted at joining the coastal counties in enforcing the embargo.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has clarified that county-level bans on Mũgũka are invalid.

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

Ruto’s Outspoken CS Has Challenged Gachagua To Lead Fight Against Muguka