Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has said that the ban imposed on the sale of muguka in Mombasa and Kilifi counties is contradictory.
In a statement, Karua said while it has been banned in the two counties, it is legally recognised by the government of Kenya.
She said the Ministry of Agriculture's position needs to be made known to resolve the contradictions brought about by the ban.
"In the matter of the muguka ban by Mombasa County and Kilifi County what is the position of @kilimoKE (Ministry of Agriculture) in view of the Crop (Miraa) Regulations 2021 which recognizes both Miraa and Muguka as legitimate, there is an urgent need to resolve this contradiction," Karua said.
She added that the leaders must discuss openly for a win-win situation.
Karua said the talks must also encompass the war on hard drugs across the country.
"Let’s have an open discussion in search of a win-win situation while also accelerating the war on hard drugs which are a menace not only at the coast but now country-wide," she added.
Her remarks come a few days after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir directed a complete ban on the sale and use of muguka and its products in the county.
In an executive order dated May 22, Nassir said henceforth no motor vehicles carrying the products will be allowed entry into Mombasa.
In the order, Nassir also directed that all outlets whether retail or wholesale selling or distributing the products be closed immediately.
“...The county departments are directed to enforce this order without exception,” it read in part.
He explained that he had made the decision in consultation with the National Authority for the Campaign for Drug Abuse (Nacada).
He observed that the scientific use of muguka has established that it caused mental health disease and disability.
“Leads to devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences and places burdens on minors, families, the poor and county health systems,” it added.
Kilifi County followed suit and in Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 banned entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of muguka within Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro ordered all enforcement officers to ensure the directive is enforced in totality.
“In light of the above order, I therefore, with immediate effect, issue a directive to all the Kilifi County enforcement officers through the Directorate of Enforcement to ensure the order is enforced in totality,” Mung’aro said.
The move has elicited various reactions from residents of Mombasa and Kilifi, some supporting the ban while others are protesting against it.
Muguka growing counties have also threatened to move to court to challenge the directives.