President Ruto term Mombasa and Kilifi ban of Muguka ‘null and void’
President William Ruto has termed the ban imposed on muguka in Kilifi and Mombasa counties as null and void.
The president said muguka is recognised by the law as a crop hence any other orders contradict the national legislation.
“With muguka having been recognised by national legislation, any other laws or orders that contradict national legislation is null and void.” Ruto said.
This comes after a meeting with Embu governor Cecil Mbarire and all elected members of Embu County Assembly and agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Last week, Mombasa and Kilifi county governments announced the ban on sale and distribution of muguka.
Mombasa was the first one In an executive order dated May 22, 2024 where governor Nassir said no motor vehicles carrying the products will be allowed entry into Mombasa.
Earlier on, the governor had banned the sale of Muguka and Miraa near schools.
“If you must do the muguka business, do it in the right place. We should not expose our children to such stimulants. We want them to be involved in education and digital literacy programmes.” Nassir said.
Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro followed suit and banned the products in his county noting it is “spoiling children”.
The county chief said it was sad to witness children as young as 10 years old consuming muguka, terming it a threat to the younger generation.
Miraa regulations Act 2023 and Crops Act 2013 terms Miraa as a crop and the same Act was passed by the National Parliament and the Council of governors.
