The decision by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir to ban the sale and consumption of Muguka in the county continues to attract mixed reactions from residents and leaders.
A section of residents led by religious leaders, human rights activists have come out in support of the move arguing the use of Muguka has been the main cause of the rise in cases of admissions at mental and rehabilitation centres and crime in Mombasa.
"According to the data that we have, the number of those using Muguka has increased to 1,500 from 1,000 and this is data recorded from January to May 2024. Out of these cases we have referred at least 100 patients to Port Reitz mental facility" said Taib Basheeb, the executive director of Reachout Centre Trust.
Haki Africa Executive Director Yusuf Mahmoud said research shows muguka causes mental health problems, which the World Health Organization says is a disease that should be addressed.
“In the policy of the government, health issues are rights of human beings and we are people who take care of the rights of people. Therefore we support the initiative because it is in line with the rights of humans and the issue of health among youth is a responsibility of national and county government,” he said.
On her part, Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi criticised the decision by Governor Nassir arguing that it is the sole responsibility of every parent to ensure that their Child is disciplined.
"Banning Muguka is not the solution, it is upon us as parents to ensure that our Children are disciplined through good parenting and instilling good values." said Miraj
Adding "Banning Muguka is interfering with someone's leisure. Why should you be concerned about a person who has been working the whole day and decided to get Muguka for his relaxing and leisure time"
Capital youth caucus association of Kenya Director Evans Momanyi said the move by the Governor will leave many youth who have been surviving on selling Muguka jobless.
"We have people especially the youth who have been feeding their families by selling Muguka. Where do you want them to go now that you have banned the sale, are going to give them another alternative means of economic survival or jobs" argued Momanyi.
Adding " Before coming up with this decision, the governor should have first consulted every player. The constitution has given Kenyans the right to participate in any law or decision making especially on issues that will touch them directly."
In Executive Order No.1 of 2024, Governor Nassir stated that all outlets, whether retail or wholesale selling or distributing the stimulant, be closed immediately.
“Pursuant to section 13 of the Fourth Schedule at part 2, it is the responsibility of the county governments to exercise to control drugs and substance abuse,” reads part of the executive order.
