On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, a group of religious leaders in Kilifi County joined the heated debate on the Muguka ban.
Expressing their support of the ban beyond the coastal religion, the leaders drawn from both the Muslim and Christian faiths termed Kilifi Governor Gideon Munga’ro and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Omar revolutionists in the fight against illicit drugs.
Speaking to the press, the leaders led by Bishop Amos Lewa the chairman of religious leaders in Kilifi and Anti-drug ambassador Sheikh Famau Famau said other countries should also ban the substance as a way of safeguarding the future generation.
“Tumekutana hapa kama viongozi wa kidini wa Kilifi kuzungumuzia kuhusu swala sugu la muguka tukiwa viongozi wa kidini tumeamua hatutanyamaza matatizo mengi ya vijana amboa wanatumia mugaka huu,”they said.
Adding that; “Tumezungumuza na viongozi wote wa dini za kiislamu na kritu tumeshikana na viongozi wote wa kidini na tumeamua Muguka hatuitaki Kilifi.”
They also advised the farmers and traders from Embu County to find alternative ways of generating income and do away with the Muguka plant which they termed as addictive and harmful to the health of its users.
Kilifi religious leaders support muguka ban to protect future generations pic.twitter.com/f1slcuFGaW
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) May 28, 2024
Muguka ban support
Apart from the Kilifi religious leaders, Garissa Muslim clerics have also called on Northern Kenya governors to ban Muguka from being consumed in their counties.
Speaking to the press at the Garissa SUPKEM offices, led by Garissa SUPKEM Chairman Abdullahi Salat, said that the Mugaka has ruined the lives of thousands who use the stimulant adding that the businesses had been allowed to thrive for far too long.
“its effects on those who are using it are very visible, some are even developing mental health issues. Our region is one of the most affected when it comes to the abuse of Muguka,” Salat said.
Adding that the leaders have spoken in one voice and called on governors from Northern Kenya to ban Muguka.
“We are speaking in one voice for this reason and call on Governors from all the pastoralist counties to follow suit since it’s the best thing to do,” he said.
