Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for the fight against the use of Muguka by classifying it as a drug.
Duale said the fight against drug and substance abuse calls for a collective, whole-of-society approach.
"As we fight the production, distribution and consumption of illicit brew, with the same emphasis, we must combat other substances, Muguka included," he said on X.
"We believe muguka is a drug and is destroying a lot of young people. If we are fighting alcohol then we should fight muguka." Duale said.
Mombasa County government was the first to announce the ban on the sale and distribution of muguka.
In an executive order dated May 22, Governor Abdullswamad Nassir said no motor vehicles carrying the products will be allowed entry into the county.
However, President William Ruto said the ban imposed on muguka in Kilifi and Mombasa counties was null and void.
Ruto added that muguka is a scheduled crop in accordance with the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023.
The Miraa Regulations 2023 were passed by the National Assembly and the Council of Governors in concurrence of the council of governors.
“With muguka having been recognised by national legislation, any other laws or orders that contradict national legislation is null and void,” Ruto said in a dispatch from State House.
