Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
The Embu County government is set to challenge the recent bans on Muguka trade by two coastal governors in a court of law.
In a press statement read on Friday by Deputy Governor, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said both the county executive members and county assembly members (MCAs) had engaged their legal teams to seek court guidance on the matter.
On Wednesday, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir issued an executive order prohibiting the entry, transportation, distribution, sale, and use of Muguka and its products within Mombasa.
This action was mirrored on Friday by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, who signed a similar executive order, No. 1 of 2024 barring Muguka trade in his County.
Governor Nassir said his decision followed consultations with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), which highlighted the potential health risks associated with Muguka use.
The bans have sparked concern in Embu County, where officials fear that additional coastal counties might follow suit, potentially crippling the Muguka trade, a significant contributor to Embu’s economy.
READ MORE: Fate of Muguka farmers unknown as Mombasa County bans trade
Embu Boss noted that it was unfair that Mombasa County placed the ban despite the two counties getting into a compliance agreement to regulate the sale of the stimulant.
Embu County Executive officials and members of the County Assembly traveled to Mombasa to resolve the issue with the Mombasa County government.
“We are disappointed that even after engaging with the Mombasa Governor, the county went ahead to effect the ban,” Mbarire stated.
She emphasized that there are no laws explicitly declaring Muguka illegal and that by banning the drug a lot of people would remain jobless and both counties would record losses in their revenue.
Mbarire emphasized that the two countries to reconsider the matter, as Muguka business largely contributes to their economy.
“Muguka business employs numerous people across its value chain, from farmers and harvesters to transporters and middlemen. By Banning the business these players who have invested heavily in this value chain stand to lose,” she stated.
Mbarire noted that Muguka contributes approximately Sh22 billion annually to Embu’s economy and about Sh1 million daily to Mombasa’s economy through transport levies.
She assured Muguka farmers and business operators in Embu that her administration is working diligently to resolve the issue.
In a meeting with County officials on Friday at Shakahola Market in Embu, hundreds of Muguka business players, including farmers, brokers, and food vendors, expressed their concerns about the fate of their business urging the county government to intervene.
Evans Gitonga, a Muguka broker, argued against the ban, citing the numerous job opportunities it provides for youths, helping reduce crime rates.
“The ban may increase crime rates within Embu and Mombasa counties,” he noted.
Kelvin Mutwiri, a boda boda rider, noted that his income relies heavily on delivering Muguka, which enables him to pay his rent and meet other expenses.
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