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Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.
Mbeere North Member of Parliament Geoffrey Ruku has strongly criticised coastal governors for their decision to ban the sale and distribution of muguka in their respective regions.
Ruku argues that the negative effects associated with muguka, as cited by the governors, only arise when users combine it with various illegal substances.
Speaking at Spice FM, the lawmaker said muguka itself has no adverse effects, a belief he believes is supported by other respected leaders who have consumed it and realised more benefits than harm.
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"We all consume muguka in our constituency, me included. I chew muguka. What causes the effects is combining muguka, miraa, and heroine among other illegal hard substances. If you chew muguka and take tea you will be able to do all other things. It is a stimulant that gives you extra energy and makes you able to focus on anything even if you mean spending an entire night working. You will concentrate throughout the night and you will be able to deliver," explained Ruku.
Furthermore, Ruku challenges claims that the stimulant impairs men's performance in marital relations, citing personal experiences and those of others who, despite chewing it, have had fulfilling family lives, including healthy children.
He asserts that no leader, except the president, can impose a ban on muguka or miraa solely based on their regional representation.
"Governors from the coast region must be stopped. A small thing can lead to a crisis. That is why we turned to the president to stop them. If they want any amendments to the law, let them bring the matter to the National Assembly. You cannot just wake up and issue an executive order just because you were elected a governor. No constitution gives you that kind of power or mandate," he added.
President William Ruto revealed that he called the three coast leaders on the phone to discuss their decision to ban muguka in their counties.
The trio of governors told Ruto that they were ready to engage with the other stakeholders to resolve the matter.
The Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will steward the talk.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
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