Embu farmers fight ban of ‘muguka’ in Mombasa
Farmers in Embu have vowed to fight the ban on muguka business in Mombasa and Kilifi amid calls by leaders in Coast for other counties in the region to follow suit.
On Saturday, Embu Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo and Woman Representative Njoki Njeru led local residents in a demonstration in Embu town, causing a major traffic snarl-up.
They criticised Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir over the decision, saying they were not consulted to give their views before the ban was imposed.
“It is unfair for Mombasa to ban the sale of muguka, which is a cash crop that locals depend on for survival. Growing and selling of muguka is a legal business and the position taken in Mombasa is illegal,” said Ms Njeru.
A farmer, Mr Samuel Gitonga, lamented that they would not survive without the trade.
“The decision will kill our livelihoods. We shall continue taking to the streets until the ban is revoked,” said Mr Gitonga.
Close muguka outlets
Mombasa is the largest market for muguka nationally. Mr Nassir has ordered the closure of all muguka outlets in the region and directed county officials to enforce the directive with immediate effect.
“By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws … hereby order and direct that there be a total prohibition on the entry, transportation and use of muguka and its products within Mombasa County,” he said.
The governor explained that he had made the decision after considering the sentiments of the residents during a public participation exercise and consulting the National Authority for the Campaign Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse (Nacada).
Mr Nassir said his administration had a constitutional responsibility to promote the right to health of residents and instil health consciousness among them.
“Scientific evidence has equivocally established that muguka consumption causes mental health issues and disability. Muguka leads to devastating health, social-economic, and environmental consequences and places a heavy burden on minors, families, the poor and the county’s health infrastructure,” he said.
Farmers deliver 36 tonnes of muguka to Mombasa every day on average, earning them Sh10.8 million. They said Mombasa county started imposing heavy levies on muguka, with each lorry entering the county being charged Sh80,000 in a bid to kill their businesses.
Another farmer, Mr Edwin Munene, said plans are underway to obtain a court order restraining Governor Nassir from having his ban implemented.
Increased immorality
At the same time, leaders from Kilifi County among them Gender, Culture and National Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa have urged other coastal counties to follow suit.
Speaking in Ganze, the leaders blamed the stimulant for alleged increased immorality and poor health among the youth.
Nairobi-based lawyer George Kithi vowed to represent Mombasa and Kilifi counties in court if Embu County leaders filed a lawsuit to oppose the ban.
“I want to laud Governor [Gideon]Mung’aro for banning the substance since it has destroyed our youth. The youth spend their day time and night chewing the substance and when they go home they cannot perform. We want a stable society,” Ganze MP Kenneth Kazungu said.
Ms Jumwa security agencies to enforce the bans in Kilifi and Mombasa counties.
“I have heard people saying that they are going to court and I want to tell them that we will not be scared and we shall fight for the ban to stay,” she said while urging the national government to support the ban. She termed as ironical the fact that leaders from the Mt Kenya region were in support of the fight against counterfeit alcohol but did not want Coast leaders to fight the sale of muguka in the region.
“The national government should support this fight and people should not just look at the aspect of business in muguka. They should also consider the lives and health of the people of the Coast. I fully support the President in the fight against all illicit substances,” said Mr Kazungu.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.