Ruto Breaks Silence on Muguka, Issues Directive

President William Ruto on Monday, May 27 issued a directive following the recent ban of sale and use of Muguka in three Counties.

In a meeting with leaders from Embu County, Ruto said that they had agreed on the importance of Muguka, considering it is a scheduled crop.

The president noted that while the government is committed to the fight against drugs, illicit brew, and other illegal substances, Muguka is recognized by national law.

“With Muguka having been recognized by national legislation, any other laws or order that contradicts national legislation is null and void,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto is pictured with Emu County leaders at the State House in Nairobi on may 27, 2024, during a meeting on the muguka ban by several counties. (Photo: PCS)

Ruto Says Muguka is Regulated in the National Law

The head of State further ordered the Ministry of Agriculture to convene a consultative meeting of key stakeholders to discuss the concerns on the sale and use of muguka.

“I have held a productive meeting with the leaders of Embu County on the recent ban on muguka,” read part of the statement.

Also Read: Martha Karua Puts Govt to Task Over Miraa, Muguka Ban

“To address concerns of all parties and stakeholders the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is directed to convene a consultative forum to address concerns raised and agree on the implementation of the Miraa/Muguka Regulations 2023.”

Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who was also present in the meeting, said that Muguka, a variety of Miraa, is a scheduled crop in accordance with the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023.

Ruto noted that the Crops Act 2013 and the Miraa Regulations 2023 were passed by the National Assembly and the Senate and with the concurrence of the Council of Governors.

“Having been passed by Parliament, the regulations obligate the Government to allocate funds for the farming, licensing, promotion, regulation, transportation, aggregation, selling, marketing and export of the crop,” he added.

Also Read: Muguka Farmers & Traders Make Appeal to Govt After Hundreds Lose Jobs

State to Allocate Ksh 500M on Miraa and Muguka

To this end, Ruto said the government has committed to pump Ksh500 million in the 2024-25 Financial Year for value addition of the scheduled crops as part of the scaling up of their aggregation, grading, pricing, packaging and value addition.

The Miraa/Muguka Pricing Committee has three members nominated by the Council of Governors, as per the regulations to regulate the prices in accordance with the Crops Act, 2013.

Additionally, the regulations also provide for a Miraa/Muguka Standard Code of Practice implemented to regulate all activities related to the crop.

Three counties, Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Taveta ordered a total prohibition on the entry, transportation, distribution, sale and use of muguka and its products in the County.

Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, argued that scientific evidence has unequivocally established that muguka consumption causes mental health disease and disability, leads to devastating health, social, economic, and environmental consequences.

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