Twist As Raila Supports Muguka Ban In Mombasa, Kilifi & Taita Taveta
ODM lauded the forefront efforts of Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sharrif Nassir in the campaign against drug abuse at the Coast, a region that has for a long time battled with the vice.
Marvin Chege 
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Wednesday, May 29 supported a move by three county governments in the Coastal region to ban the sale and distribution of muguka, a popular stimulant leaf in the country.
In a statement, ODM lauded the forefront efforts of Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sharrif Nassir in the campaign against drug abuse at the Coast, a region that has for a long time battled with the vice.
"Governor Nassir has been courageous enough to follow the talk with action in making the bold move prohibiting the entry, transport, sale, and distribution of muguka within Mombasa County. Governor Gideon Mungaro (Kilifi) and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta) have taken similar action," the statement by the party's Secretary-General, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna read in part.
"The Governor has severally called upon the National Government to match his efforts concerning other drugs that cross international borders to get into the country."
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sharrif Nassir during the celebration of World Radio Day at Mombasa county on February 13, 2023. /TWITTER.MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA
ODM accused the government of taking sides in the war against drugs and alcohol abuse in the country, reading malice in how it is intensifying the battle against alcohol in the Mt Kenya region but shying away from the battle against Muguka in the Coastal region.
"It is also unfortunate to see none other than President William Ruto himself polarizing and politicizing the war against the drug menace in Mombasa by attempting to countermand the decision taken by the three county governments and pledging public funds to ensure our youth have unrestricted access to Muguka essentially," added the statement.
ODM further condemned the weaponization of state agencies to harass and intimidate Governor Nassir and fellow county bosses who are only looking after the interests of their counties.
This is after reports alleged that officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) raided Radio Rahma premises in Nyali, Mombasa, which is associated with the Nassir Family.
"To add insult to injury, barely 48 hours after the statement from State House, Muguka was forcefully driven to county markets, and unknown persons claiming to be agents of KRA today raided Radio Rahma premises in Nyali, Mombasa claiming tax arrears. Radio Rahma is associated with the Nassir family.
"Upon inquiry, the KRA leadership denied knowledge of such action through official channels. Sources who did not want to be disclosed indicated that this was action based on orders from above in reaction to the economic losses that Muguka traders faced during Governor Nassir's ban," added ODM.
The Raila Odinga-led party declared that it would stand with Governor Nassir in his efforts to rid Mombasa of the drug menace once and for all.
The move to ban the stimulant garnered support from a section of leaders, residents and the religious community in the Coastal region.
However, the the High Court in Embu on Tuesday, May 28 temporarily suspended the ban on muguka in the counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta pending the hearing of a case filed before it on June 8, 2024.
President Ruto on his part directed Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi to convene a consultative forum with all stakeholders to address concerns raised and agree on the implementation of the Miraa/Műgūka Regulations 2023.
