The governors of the Coastal counties have declined an invitation from State House to attend a meeting aimed at discussing the recent ban on muguka. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, along with his counterparts from other coastal regions, publicly announced their decision on Sunday.
The meeting, which was intended to facilitate a dialogue between leaders from the coast and those from the Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties, comes in the wake of a contentious ban on muguka. The ban, which was instituted by the Coastal counties, has sparked significant debate and opposition from areas where muguka cultivation and trade are vital to the local economy.
In a joint communiqué, the coastal governors expressed their unanimous decision to decline the invitation, emphasizing their firm stance on the muguka issue. “As Governors of the Coast Counties, we are in receipt of communication from State House inviting us for a meeting to deliberate on the issue of muguka with our counterparts from Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu,” the communiqué.
Muguka, a variant of khat, is a stimulant plant widely chewed in several regions of Kenya, particularly in the coastal and eastern areas. The ban by the Coastal counties has been justified on grounds of public health and social order, with officials citing concerns over its addictive nature and negative impacts on the youth. However, leaders from the muguka-growing regions argue that the ban adversely affects their economic lifeline and the livelihoods of many small-scale farmers and traders.
The decision by the coastal governors to skip the State House meeting highlights the complexities of the issue and the regional tensions it has exacerbated. It also reflects a broader political statement about local autonomy and the need for inclusive dialogue that respects the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Governor Nassir, speaking on behalf of his peers, emphasized the importance of addressing the socio-economic concerns of their constituents. “We must consider the well-being of our people. The decision to ban muguka was not taken lightly, and we believe it is in the best interest of our communities. However, we are open to discussions that are respectful and considerate of our positions,” Nassir stated.
The coastal governors’ refusal to attend the State House meeting sends a clear message about their commitment to their regions’ health and social stability. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the national government will respond and whether a more conciliatory approach can be found to bridge the gap between the conflicting interests.
In the meantime, the muguka issue remains a contentious topic, reflecting deeper issues of regional disparities, economic dependencies, and the need for comprehensive policies that balance economic interests with public health and social well-being.
