Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leaders have accused President William Ruto of politicizing the war against the drug menace in Mombasa County.
In a statement on May 29, ODM said Kenyans are aware that the Governor of Mombasa Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir has been at the forefront of the campaign against drug abuse at the Coast, a region that has for a long time battled with the vice.
“It is also unfortunate to see none other than President William Ruto himself polarizing and politicizing the war against the drug menace in Mombasa by attempting to countermand the decision taken by the three county governments and pledging public funds to ensure our youth have unrestricted access to Muguka essentially,” read the statement in part.
“The ODM party wishes to condemn the weaponization of state agencies like KRA to harass and intimidate Governor Nassir and his colleagues who are only looking out for those they represent.”
KRA Raids Rahma Radi Station Over Tax Evasion
This statement comes after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Officials raided Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir’s radio station over allegations of tax evasion.
The party noted that it was barely 48 hours after the statement from State House when persons claiming to be agents of KRA raided Radio Rahma premises in Nyali, Mombasa claiming tax arrears.
Also Read: Court Gives Way Forward on Muguka Ban in Mombasa & Kilifi
Furthermore, the leaders said that upon inquiry, the KRA leadership denied knowledge of such action through official channels.
“Sources who did not want to be disclosed indicated that this was action based on orders from above in reaction to the economic losses that Muguka traders faced during Governor Nassir’s ban,” ODM further said.
ODM Accuses Ruto of Sabotage
ODM further said they have noted that the government plans to silence Nassir who has on several occasions called upon them to match his efforts concerning other drugs that cross international borders to get into the country.
Also Read: Ruto Breaks Silence on Muguka, Issues Directive
The Party also declared its stance in support of the ban of Muguka in the County as a way of getting rid of the drug menace once and for all.
Nassir said the alleged KRA officials had already threatened to carry the transmitters in the station and ordered them to walk away from the office.
However, he asserted that he will not be intimidated in the issue of muguka and vowed to continue with the fight.
The raid comes after Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta Counties ordered a total prohibition on the entry, transportation, distribution, sale and use of muguka and its products in the Counties.
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