By Reporter
The Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has urged coastal youth to quit Muguka and shun drugs.
Chidzuga said Muguka has turned energetic youth into zombies.
She said the drug is draining the youth financially, especially boda boda operators, who are unable to save money because of the muguka.
“The boda boda youth use the first few shillings to buy muguka and by the end are left with nothing,” she said.
Chidzuga decried that the increased uptake of muguka and drugs among the coastal youth has reached a worrying trend and requires immediate intervention and cooperation to stem the vice.
According to Nacada, thousands of youth in Mombasa, Lamu, Kwale and Kilifi counties were addicted to drugs and substance abuse which contributed to insecurity cases.
Muguka, the leaves of Catha edulis, are chewed as stimulants. It is the same family as Khat (Miraa). However, Muguka is cheaper compared to Khat.
Scientists say Muguka’s effect on humans includes; Weight loss, decreased sex drive and insomnia among other long-term effects.
Chidzuga called on lawmakers and other stakeholders to consider coming up with strict rules to mitigate the consumption of muguka among the coastal youth.
“We cannot allow our youth to be destroyed by this drug. If there is a need for new laws to be formed, so be it,” she said.
Recently, Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza appealed for Nacada to list Muguka as a hard drug and ban it.
Tandaza said the drug has caused much pain and doom to society as many youth are lost into an addiction.
She said the coastal counties, especially Kwale, risk losing productive youth through drugs and substance abuse.
Chidzuga called on the youth to drive their energy on talent development and take advantage of numerous government empowerment programmes to earn a living and improve lives.
She said the national government is committed to supporting youth and eradicating the drug menace at the coast region and across the country.
Chidzuga spoke during a security meeting with the county security team at the Kwale Cultural Centre in the Matuga sub-county.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson directed Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and local police to ensure that the war on drugs and illicit brew is escalated.
She said drug peddlers must be arrested at all costs and illegal drug businesses closed.
Chidzuga said the war against drugs is non-negotiable and should not be compromised.
At the same time, she advised the area chiefs to help sell the government agendas at the grassroots.
Chidzuga said that chiefs and their assistants have a role to inform the public on various ongoing beneficial government projects.
“I urge all chiefs to work together to raise public awareness of government projects being carried out in their areas. That is your role,” she said.
Chidzuga stated that the government is carrying out many projects throughout the country, but the people in those areas are unaware of them for lack of information.
“For example, consider the affordable housing project, which will be implemented across all counties. By now, chiefs should have informed their people about the project’s location and how it will benefit them in terms of empowerment and employment,” She said.
The state officer stated that President William Ruto is committed to delivering to Kenyans, and the government will do so with the chiefs’ cooperation.
The Deputy Government spokesperson also distributed iftar on behalf of the government to vulnerable Shimbahills, Tiwi, Tsimba, Golini, Kombani and Ng’ombeni widows.
Chidzuga called on the windows to register themselves with SHIF so that they could get health insurance coverage for their families.
