Kenya Coastal Leaders’ Final Call On Muguka As Research On The Herb Revealed
The six coastal counties that previously prohibited Muguka, a type of Miraa, are now urging President William Ruto to declare it a national health security threat, citing alarming findings from recent research.
The counties are Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Taita Taveta.
The six governors, led by Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, released a statement to the media on Monday, shortly after meeting with the Head of State at the State House.
According to Governor Nassir, the six spoke in unison and “respectfully delivered the message of their people to the Head of State—that they do not want Muguka in their region.”
Together with the leadership of the six counties of the Coast, we met His Excellency the President Dr. William Ruto at State House, Nairobi where we spoke with one voice.
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) June 24, 2024
We respectfully delivered the message of our people – We as the Coast do not want Muguka in our region. pic.twitter.com/veXVijRhIW
According to the governors, research conducted by various institutions, including the Mombasa Women Empowerment Network Mental Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, ReachOut Rehabilitation Centre, Port Reitz Hospital, and the NACADA Rehabilitation Centre, has revealed a concerning trend.
They reveal that the vast majority of patients (82%) with mental health issues in the coastal region this year abused Muguka.
According to the governors, this widespread issue has prompted leaders to express grave concerns about the potential impact on public health.
They claim that muguka, a stimulant similar to Miraa but cheaper and faster to harvest, has become more accessible, particularly among minors.
In a joint statement, the governors state that its consumption has serious consequences for reproductive health, posing a significant threat to the well-being and security of coastal communities.
They stated that the resolutions they presented to the President were the result of a recent consultative meeting on June 16, 2024, presided over by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mun’garo.
The meeting was attended by six coastal county governors, senators, and Coast Parliamentary Group members.
According to the governors, the meeting decided to escalate action against Muguka.
The meeting determined that all outlets selling or distributing Muguka in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta counties must close immediately.
At the same time, it was agreed that motor vehicles carrying Muguka would be prohibited from entering these counties, with strict enforcement by county departments and agencies.
Kenya Coastal Leaders’ Final Call On Muguka As Research On The Herb Revealed
