Coast leaders have pledged to end the lucrative muguka trade despite its backing from the national government saying it is a medical issue and it should not be treated politically.

The leaders commended Kilifi North MP Owen Baya for taking muguka debate to the National Assembly as leaders said the stimulant threatens a whole generation due to its health effects.

Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) chairman, who is also MP for Wundanyi, Danson Mwashako, said they have invited MPs for a meeting to discuss a common stand and re-energise the war against muguka in the region.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said time to talk with muguka traders was over and that he is determined to continue with the war to protect Coast people.

“Figures from traders have shown that Mombasa residents spend Sh7 billion on muguka per year. This is more than what we spend on sukuma wiki,” said Nassir during Madaraka Day celebration in Mombasa.

He added: “After muguka, I will head to bar owners who operate close to schools, residences and places of worship. We must make sure that Mombasa is free from drugs,” he said.

Mombasa County Commissioner Noor Mohamed assured residents that the government is steadfast in fighting drugs and substance abuse in the county.

He said they recently seized about 800 kilograms of bang valued at Sh24 million, 1,627 grams of heroin valued at Sh4.9 million and 251 grams of cocaine valued at Sh800,000.

In Kwale County, Governor Fatuma Achani announced that she will increase muguka cess from Sh10,000 to Sh300,000 per lorry.