EXPLAINER: Why Governor Nassir Is Fighting Against Muguka In Mombasa
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has renewed his anti-muguka campaign.
Nassir stated that the stimulant is responsible for the majority of admissions to rehabilitation and mental health centers across the county.
His comments come amid a long-running argument over whether muguka should be considered as a legal income crop or as a dangerous drug.
“Majority of those admitted to rehab centres in Mombasa are there because of Muguka,” Nassir said.
The governor made the remarks while defending Mombasa County’s efforts to classify muguka as a hazardous narcotic rather than a normal agricultural crop.
Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff: Drugs in Mombasa is a suicidal problem and not a political problem.
People are consuming codeine, bhang, and alcohol, but the biggest problem we have is muguka#ThePeoplesBreakfast#HomeOfHardTruths @MombasaCountyKe @ctmuga & @mungalambuvi pic.twitter.com/60u4dIoJ5G— Radio Generation (@RadioGenKe) June 22, 2026
He stated that the country is experiencing a growing public health issue, particularly among young people, which he feels is directly related to increased stimulant use.
Nassir’s comments are rooted in data and testimonies from rehabilitation centres and mental health facilities in Mombasa.
According to stakeholders in the county’s addiction recovery sector, a significant proportion of those seeking treatment suffer from addiction, insomnia, anxiety, depression, aggression and other mental health complications linked to the stimulant.
The governor has repeatedly maintained that muguka poses a serious threat to the well-being of young people.
In previous statements supporting restrictions on the substance, he argued that: “It has no medicinal value” and is “a serious threat to the health of young people.”
His position is supported by some rehabilitation centres in Mombasa.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff: The County Government will soon be announcing a programme called ‘Skills Mtaani.’
Youths will be able to choose what they want to do#ThePeoplesBreakffast #HomeOfHardTruths @MombasaCountyKe @ctmuga & @mungalambuvi pic.twitter.com/N2SaNDYHkK— Radio Generation (@RadioGenKe) June 22, 2026
Data cited by treatment facilities showed rising numbers of muguka users seeking rehabilitation services, with many patients falling within the 15–25 age bracket.
Some centres reported that a large percentage of their admissions were individuals battling muguka-related addiction and mental health challenges.
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The governor’s remarks also explain why Mombasa County has been at the forefront of efforts to restrict the sale, transportation and use of muguka.
Nassir argues that the county government has a constitutional responsibility to protect public health and curb substance abuse.
He has consistently linked muguka to school dropouts, family breakdowns, unemployment, homelessness and increased pressure on the county’s healthcare system.
The governor’s comments come as the national debate over muguka continues.
Leaders from producing regions defended it as a legitimate source of income, while leaders from the Coast insist that its social and health consequences outweigh its economic benefits.
For Nassir, the issue remains primarily a public health concern, with rehabilitation centres providing what he considers the clearest evidence of the drug’s impact on Mombasa’s youth.
EXPLAINER: Why Governor Nassir Is Fighting Against Muguka In Mombasa
