Kilifi County To Ban Muguka Consumption, Citing Detrimental Effects » Capital News

NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 29 – Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro has vowed to ban Muguka consumption in the county, citing its detrimental effects.

The governor pledged to issue an executive order banning Muguka, stating, “We have no problem as a county when people bring and sell Miraa, but in Kilifi County, I will ban Muguka! Come rain, come sunshine.”

He emphasized that Muguka has negatively impacted the youth in the region.

“While young people continue to become addicted to the green bushy herbal stimulants despite the fact that they pose a number of health risks,” Mung’aro contended, “the price of these stimulants has proven to be accessible to many.” He further explained, “If we can regulate Mnazi it is good because it is not as poisonous as Muguka and it’s not an illicit brew, but Muguka is not that expensive that’s why many young people can get it however much they want it.”

In July 2023, the government announced plans to re-examine the classification of Miraa (Khat) as a harmful substance to facilitate its exclusion from adverse classification by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

The anti-drug abuse agency had classified Miraa as a harmful substance based on Cathine and Cathinone substances found in Khat, which are considered harmful according to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act of 1994.

“NACADA also previously enlisted Miraa among top drugs of abuse in the country together with alcohol and tobacco,” Mung’aro added.

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