Africa-Press – Kenya. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has criticised the stand taken by President William Ruto on the sale and use of Muguka.
This was after Kilifi and Mombasa counties slapped a ban on the stimulant plant.
The President on Monday said Muguka is a crop recognised by national legislation and any order barring its use is null and void.
The court has since suspended the ban until July 8 pending inter partes hearing.
On Wednesday, the ODM leadership has taken issue with Ruto’s directive which they see as one that encourages the use of the addictive stimulant.
“It is unfortunate to see none other than President William Ruto himself…pledging public funds to ensure our youth have unrestricted access to Muguka essentially,” a statement by the ODM read.
“We note with concern the silence of the so-called champions of a sober country, keen on fighting alcohol abuse in their political backyards but quiet when Muguka ravages the young people of the Coast.”
Mombasa County government was the first to announce the ban on the sale and distribution of muguka.
In an executive order dated May 22, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nasssir said no motor vehicles carrying the products would be allowed entry into the county.
The move was followed by his Kilifi counterpart who banned the use and sale of Muguka.
On Sunday, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime banned the product citing that youths in the county are getting hooked.
However, the High Court sitting in Embu County suspended the ban on imposed by the three counties.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Lucy Njuguna issued a restraining order to the counties from effecting the ban on Muguka until July 8, 2024.
“That the pending inter parties hearing and determination of this application a conservatory order be and is hereby granted restraining and/or stopping the respondents and or its agents from effecting, implementing and or enforcing Executive Order No. 1 issued on May 22, 2024, by the 1st Respondent and 2nd and 3rd Respondents to last until the 8th July 2024 when the application shall be heard interpreters,” the ruling read in part.
In the Wednesday ODM statement, the party said that Governor Nassir has been at the forefront of the campaign against drug abuse at the Coast, a region that has for a long time battled with the vice.
According to ODM, Governors Nassir, Mungaro and Mwadime have been courageous enough to follow the talk with action in making the bold move prohibiting the entry, transport, sale, and distribution of muguka within their Counties.
“Governor Nassir has severally called upon the National Government to match his efforts concerning other drugs that cross international borders to get into the country,” ODM said.
On Tuesday, Ruto held a phone conversation with Coast governors who imposed a ban on the sale and use of Muguka in their counties.
This came a day after the President held a meeting with Embu leaders.
Mombasa Governor, in a statement after a meeting with the leadership of the Coast said that they will refrain from commenting on the matter which is before the high court.
“That said, we will take our political direction from the people and from God,” he said on X.
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