Governors from the coast region led by Mombasa’s Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, have declined an invitation to a meeting with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi set for June 6, 2024, on the issue of Muguka Ban.
In a statement on Monday, Mombasa’s Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi’s Gideon Mung’aro, Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Issa Timamy (Lamu) and Taita Taveta’s Andrew Mwadime collectively demanded inclusion of Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, CS Kithure Kindiki of Internal Security and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
“We request and invite your support towards a consultative meeting with the Head of State to include the Cabinet Secretaries of Health, Internal Security and Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, copied herein,” they stated.
The joint statement issued by the governors has called out Cabinet Secretary Agriculture and Livestock Hon. Mithika Linturi noting that his position in the matter was more inclined towards protecting the interests of miraa farmers.
In their joint statement, the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani reiterated that muguka matters had implications on health and security of the coastal communities and as such Linturi would be constrained in being an impartial arbiter.
“According to your statements dated 29th May, 2024, your Ministry’s position is one of protecting the socio- economics of the producing Counties. Recognizing Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani as a consuming region with interests on both socio-economic and health security, we respectfully conclude that you are constrained in being an impartial arbiter on this subject,” they noted.
In a subsequent statement on X, Abdulswamad said that Muguka is not an agricultural issue but a matter of health, wellbeing and the security of their people that needs to be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“Muguka is not simply an agricultural issue; it is a matter of the health, wellbeing and indeed, the security of our people and needs to be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” his post read.
Also Read: Abdulswamad Declares Stance on Muguka Ban After KRA Raid
Conditions Set by Coastal Governors
The statement further provided several conditions addressed to the Agriculture CS Linturi, demanding his attention.
They acknowledged that the ban of Muguka issue is a matter of public interest, stating that the matter has ignited a national public debate across the country.
“Recognizing that the ban of Muguka in the Jumuiya ya Kaunti region has ignited a national public debate and pronouncements by the Executive, Judiciary, legislative and the entire 47 County Governments, we conclude that this matter is of extraordinary public interest,” the statement read further.
They also highlighted that further consultations on the matter should be led by the Head of state pointing out the conflicting statements from various Cabinet secretaries and senior National Government officers that were in contrast to the position of the Executive.
“Considering that the Head of State has held meetings with the Muguka producing County Governments, Central Kenya leadership and issued directions on 29th May 2024; and whereas various Cabinet Secretaries and senior National Government officers have made conflicting statements as to the position of the Executive; therefore, Jumuiya ya Kaunti concludes and requests, that further consultations on this matter be led by the Head of State,” they issued.
Also Read: Muguka Ban: Blow to Farmers as UDA MP Starts Process of Reclassifying Miraa
Negative Health Impacts
The governors went ahead to point out the negative effects caused by consumption of Miraa in terms of health, security as well as economically.
They further provided that Miraa, as classified by the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), is a psychotropic substance containing harmful substances like cathine and cathinone which is also prohibited under the current Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1994.
“As Consumer Counties, we are negatively affected by the sale of Miraa/Muguka in terms of Health, Security as well as Economically. It is critical that this discussion puts the global picture in perspective. Cathine and Cathinone, the active ingredients present in both crops, are prohibited under the current Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1994. The National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) currently classifies Miraa as a psychotropic substance because of these active ingredients,” part of the statement read.
The document also noted that owing to the relatively short harvest time of Muguka compared to Miraa, the cheap cost makes the drug easily accessible to minors.
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