County-level bans on Muguk and Miraa are invalid

Gov. Nassir ordered the ban Thursday, highlighting widespread use of the stimulant on the coast, including among school children.

According to Nassir, muguka dealers have ignored laws put in place to protect children from the drug’s influence, and some have even gone as far as selling the drug to minors.

“We tried to come up with regulations to allow users and the larger community to coexist, but they refused and that is why I sought a legal opinion and found that my decree was correct,” Nassir said.

“I have signed a decree banning the entry of muguka into Mombasa and the sale and consumption of muguka in Mombasa.”

Elsewhere, kilifi has issued a similar ban, with Governor Gideon Mung’aro banning the entry, transportation, distribution and sale of Muguki within the county.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 30(2)(1) of the County Government Act and all other implementing laws and regulations of Kenya, I, Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, Governor of Kilifi County, do hereby order and direct that: a total prohibition of the entry, transportation, distribution, sale and use of muguka and its products in Kilifi County,” Mung’aro said in a statement.

The orders issued by both governors follow a vigorous push by women leaders to ban muguka and regulate the use of miraa due to the drugs’ harmful effects on young people’s health.