President William Ruto has given direction on how to find a middle ground between the government and Muguka traders.
Speaking to Coastal leaders at the statehouse on June 24, Ruto cautioned that the standoff between the Muguka traders and the government could lead to a crisis.
The head of state advised that it was better off to look into legal ways to moderate it rather than banning it, therefore turning it into an illegal business.
“All we should not do is something that makes this thing into an illegal business, we’re better off when it is on the surface, we can control, “he said.
Additionally, he revealed that the council have recommended three people to be part of the pricing committee to look into the issues touching miraa and other things.
Ruto Explains Reasons for Meeting Leaders
Ruto said that it was paramount to meet the leaders so as to find a solution that would be of best interest to the people in the Coast and the people in Meru and Embu who are the majority consumers and sellers of miraa.
“If the problem is price, and all the other problems it has, how do we, you know the council have recommended I think three or so people, to go into the pricing committee of miraa and other things,” Ruto stated.
Also Read: Muguka Ban: New Twist as Governors Reject Linturi Meeting, List New Conditions
“How do we find a legal way of managing this to the best interest of the people in the Coast and the people in Meru and Embu? If we can strike a that balance and leaders, you’re the leaders of Kenya and together with me, I am sure we can find a way forward.”
The meeting followed another session with the leaders from Embu on the ban of Muguka. The president also agreed to meet leaders from the two sides to fashion a law that will protect the interests of both parties.
Muguka Ban
Ruto’s meeting comes after a section of Coastal leaders declared their stance on Muguka banning it as a result.
Also Read: Muguka Ban: Blow to Farmers as UDA MP Starts Process of Reclassifying Miraa
The Muguka issue sparked outrage and debate among leaders further catching the attention of President William Ruto who overruled the ban.
The leaders including Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Kilifi governor Gideon Mung ‘aro among others banned the stimulant citing the negative effect it had on the youths in the region.
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