On Wednesday, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir found himself at the center of a controversy as he was compelled to intervene following a raid on the offices of Radio Rahma, a station under his ownership. The raid, reportedly conducted over alleged arrears, has sparked a heated debate in the coastal city.
Governor Nassir expressed his dismay over the incident, attributing the raid to his recent decision to ban the sale and consumption of muguka, a stimulant popular in the region. “This is nothing short of retaliation for the steps we’ve taken to curb the use of muguka,” Nassir lamented. “We made this decision to protect our youth and safeguard the future of Mombasa. It’s unfortunate that certain individuals have chosen to target Radio Rahma in response.”
The raid, which took place early in the morning, saw several officials storm the radio station’s premises, causing disruption to its operations. Employees were reportedly caught off-guard as authorities combed through the office, citing outstanding financial obligations as the reason for their actions. Details of the specific arrears in question have not been disclosed to the public.
Governor Nassir’s intervention highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the muguka ban. Since the announcement of the ban, there have been mixed reactions from the public and various stakeholders. While some community members support the governor’s move, citing health and social concerns associated with muguka, others, particularly those involved in its trade, have voiced their opposition.
