Embu Leaders Condemn Muguka Ban in Coastal Counties, Alleging Trade Sabotage
A group of leaders from Embu has expressed concerns over the muguka ban in Kilifi and Mombasa, accusing it of trade sabotage.
They argue that there is no significant difference between muguka and miraa and are calling for scientific and legal information to be provided to traders.
Embu Deputy Governor Justus Mugo suspects that “interested parties” are trying to undermine the business.
The county plans to go to court on Monday to seek orders to lift the suspension imposed by the governors of Kilifi and Mombasa.
Mugo insists there is no difference between the two plants, therefore neither should be banned.
He made these remarks during protests against the muguka ban on the Embu-Meru highway on Saturday.
The deputy governor criticized Meru leaders for distancing themselves from the issue. Muguka is primarily produced in Embu, while miraa is widely grown in Meru.
“Meru county leaders should recognize that we have Meru residents farming and trading muguka in Embu, and we need to unite for justice,” he stated.
Meru leaders plan to file a petition to have muguka and miraa classified as separate crops, he mentioned.
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Mugo was joined by Embu Woman Rep Njoki Njeru, Agriculture CEC John Nyaga, and Kagaari South MCA Susan Wairimu.
Njeru urged Meru traders to resist the ban and to refrain from actions that could harm the muguka trade in the coastal counties.
She emphasized that both products are similar and called on the governors to lift the ban, stating that muguka is a stimulant and should not be prohibited.
“There’s no difference between miraa and muguka products; both should be treated equally. Governors of Mombasa and Kilifi should understand that muguka and miraa are not classified as drugs and neither should be banned,” the Woman Rep said.
Muguka is preferred over Miraa due to its lower cost.
On Thursday, Governor Abdullswamad Nassir banned the sale, supply, and consumption of muguka in Mombasa.
Kilifi’s Gideon Mung’aro enacted a similar ban on Friday, sparking outrage among Embu traders.
Embu Leaders Condemn Muguka Ban in Coastal Counties, Alleging Trade Sabotage