Muslim clerics from Garissa have called on the governors of Northern Kenya counties to ban muguka and miraa from entering or being consumed in their counties.
Reacting to the recent ban on muguka trade in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, the religious leaders said that the effects of the use of these drugs are detrimental to the lives and generations of their people.
On Friday last week, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro banned the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of muguka within the county, just two days after his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Nasir had done the same.
Speaking to the press at the Garissa SUPKEM offices, the Muslim religious leaders, led by Garissa SUPKEM Chairman Abdullahi Salat, said that the Miraa and Muguka businesses had been allowed to thrive for far too long, ruining the lives of thousands who use the stimulant.
Salat said that it was clear that the effects of the plant far much outweigh its advantages, noting that the fact that many countries have banned it further goes along to support the point.
Meanwhile, he also attributed the plant’s impact on society to numerous social issues, including high divorce rates, school dropout rates, and poor student performance.
He further noted that crime and other vices such as insecurity have a direct link to those using the stimulant, reiterating the need to ban it so as to save society and generations.
“Our region is one of the most affected when it comes to the abuse of this plant (Muguka). Its effects on those who are using it are very visible; some are even developing mental health issues. Many have ended up using a lot of resources on the same,” Salat said.
“For this reason, we speak in one voice and call on Governors from all the pastoralists’ counties, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Tana River, with the help of their County Assemblies, to follow suit. Since, it’s the best thing to do if they really care for the wellbeing of our people and society at large,” he added.
On his part, Sheikh Hussein Mahat said that the fact that NACADA has listed both Miraa and Muguka as drugs was enough reason to have them banned completely.
Hence, he took issue with the move by parliament, which a few years ago listed Miraa as a cash crop.
He also called on the government to put in the same energy that it is using to fight and ban illicit brew to also fight Miraa and Muguka, noting that a large population in the region has been equally affected.
By Erick Kyalo
