Embu High Court Grants Temporary Reprieve, Suspends Muguka Ban Amidst Legal Battle.

Muguka farmers and traders in Embu have been granted a reprieve after the High Court temporarily suspended the Muguka ban imposed by the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta.

The interim orders were issued by Embu High Court Judge Lucy Njuguna pending the hearing and determination of the petition filed by the County Government of Embu, the County Assembly, and Muguka farmers under the umbrella of Kutherema Muguka Sacco Society Limited. Judge Njuguna expressed satisfaction after reviewing the attached documents and relevant articles of the constitution, stating that the applicants deserve interim relief at this preliminary stage.

The suspension will remain in effect until July 8, when the application will be heard by all parties involved. The ban on the supply, sale, and consumption of herbal stimulants by the three coastal counties last week led to demonstrations in Embu, joined by local leaders including Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo and Women Rep Pamela Njoki.

The court’s ruling has been welcomed by leaders and residents, who argued that the ban could have led to unemployment among farmers, traders, and transporters. They emphasized the lack of scientific evidence to prove muguka’s classification as a drug and pointed out the absence of a specific law prohibiting its sale or consumption.

However, Mugo Mate, Chair of the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Embu Branch, called for mediation between the involved parties to prevent animosity. He stressed the importance of dialogue to ensure smooth business operations pending the final determination of the case. Mate warned that without such dialogue, coastal counties might resort to imposing hefty levies or other tactics that could potentially collapse the trade.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.