Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir Upholds Muguka Ban Despite National and Regional Opposition

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has reaffirmed his ban on muguka in the county, despite facing opposition from Mt. Kenya leaders and the national government. During the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2024, at the Mama Ngina Waterfront, Nassir reiterated his commitment to tackling the harmful effects of the drug on the residents of Mombasa.

Nassir emphasized that his decision to ban muguka was not aimed at any specific tribe or region but was focused on the harmful impact of the stimulant. He stated, "We are fighting a product, we are not fighting a tribe, we are fighting a product that is hurting us, nothing else...this propaganda you want to use, I don't know what case...this path, you will know, you don't know."

The governor highlighted the economic burden that muguka imposes on Mombasa County, citing a report that Embu County makes Ksh.12 billion per year from muguka sales, while Mombasa spends Ksh.7 billion annually dealing with the drug's harmful effects. "Mombasa spends more on muguka than sukuma wiki and spinach, how?" he questioned.

Despite the national government's stance, which supports the sale of muguka, Nassir remains resolute. President William Ruto met with Embu leaders and declared muguka legal, directing the Ministry of Agriculture to convene a meeting with the governors of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta to discuss the issue.

Why this matters: The ban on muguka has significant implications for public health and the economy in Kenya. If successful, it could lead to a reduction in drug-related problems and a shift in resources towards more productive activities.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has also entered the fray, filing a notice with the Speaker of the National Assembly to introduce a Bill to amend the Crops Act 2022. Baya proposes to delete miraa from the list of scheduled crops and classify muguka and miraa as psychotropic substances. He argues that these substances should not be specified as scheduled crops because of their harmful effects.

Community leaders and clerics in Mombasa have shown support for the ban, adding a moral and ethical dimension to the campaign. Muslim clerics have condemned the use of muguka and miraa, emphasizing the need to address the issue for the well-being of the community.

Nassir's stance has not been without personal repercussions. Recently, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials raided his Rahma FM radio station over tax compliance issues, which the governor claimed was a witch-hunt in response to his muguka ban.

The fight against muguka continues to be a contentious issue in Kenya, with significant political and social implications. Governor Nassir remains determined to protect the youth and families of Mombasa from the negative effects of the drug, despite the challenges and opposition he faces.

Key Takeaways

• Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir reaffirms ban on muguka despite opposition.
• Nassir cites economic burden, with Mombasa spending Ksh.7 billion on muguka's harmful effects.
• President William Ruto supports muguka sale, directing Ministry of Agriculture to discuss with governors.
• Kilifi North MP Owen Baya proposes Bill to classify muguka and miraa as psychotropic substances.
• Community leaders and clerics support the ban, adding moral and ethical dimension to the campaign.