Raila Supports Coastal Muguka Ban Amidst Political Controversy
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has expressed its support for the decision made by three County Governments along the Coast to prohibit the sale and distribution of muguka within their areas of jurisdiction.
ODM praised governors Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Gideon Mung’aro, and Andrew Mwadime for their proactive stance in safeguarding the interests of their youth. The party commended Governor Nassir for taking decisive action to restrict the entry, transportation, sale, and distribution of muguka within Mombasa County, while also acknowledging similar measures undertaken by Governors Gideon Mung’aro of Kilifi and Andrew Mwadime of Taita Taveta.
In its statement, the opposition party criticized the government for what it perceived as selective enforcement in combating drug abuse, particularly highlighting the disparity between its approach to addressing alcohol abuse in the Mt. Kenya region and its response to the issue of muguka consumption in the Coastal region.
The party expressed dismay over what it perceived as a lack of consistency in the government’s approach, questioning why there seemed to be more attention given to tackling alcohol abuse in certain political territories while the issue of muguka consumption on the Coast was seemingly overlooked.
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The letter signed by ODM party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna raised concerns about what it perceived as the politicization of efforts to combat drug abuse, particularly in Mombasa, alleging that President William Ruto had injected political motives into the matter, thereby undermining the decisions made by the three county governments.
Furthermore, ODM condemned what it described as the misuse of state agencies to intimidate and harass Governor Nassir and other county leaders who were acting in the best interests of their constituents. The party cited an incident involving a raid on Radio Rahma premises in Nyali, Mombasa, which is associated with the Nassir Family, as an example of such intimidation tactics.
ODM also highlighted an altercation between Mombasa County enforcement officers and truck drivers transporting the banned substance into the county, further underscoring the tensions surrounding the issue.
President Ruto’s announcement of his intention to engage county leaders in discussions aimed at resolving the Muguka stalemate was met with skepticism by ODM, which viewed it as an attempt to undermine the decisions made by the affected counties.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the ban on muguka, the move has received backing from various quarters, including some political leaders, residents, and members of the religious community in the Coastal region.
Raila Supports Coastal Muguka Ban Amidst Political Controversy