The Embu High Court has temporarily suspended executive orders prohibiting the sale, distribution, and consumption of muguka in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta Counties.

On Tuesday, Lady Justice Lucy Njuguna certified the case filed by the Embu County Assembly and the Kutherema Muguka Sacco Society, adding that the conservatory orders will remain in effect until July 8.

PHOTO | COURTESY Muguka sellers

"That pending interpartes hearing and determination of this application a conservatory order be and is hereby granted restraining and/or stopping the Respondents and or its agents from effecting, implementing and or enforcing Executive Order No. 1 issued on 22nd May 2024 by the 1st Respondent and 2nd and 3rd Respondents to last until the 8th July 2024 when the application shall be heard interpartes. The application will be served upon the respondents within seven days from today," Njuguna ruled.

PHOTO | COURTESY Muguka sellers

Njuguna further ruled that the application be served to the respondents within seven days of today.

On Monday, the High Court in Mombasa designated a similar matter as urgent, with Lady Justice Olga Sewe directing that the application be served on the respondents and any reply, if any, be submitted within three days after service.

The suit in Embu will be heard inter partes on July 8, while the Mombasa High Court will provide fresh instructions on May 31.

PHOTO | COURTESY Muguka sellers

On Saturday, Embu County muguka farmers protested the recent muguka trade prohibition in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

Farmers gathered at the Ena Kutherema Muguka Sacco headquarters in Runyenjes, backed by muguka dealers and brokers, to protest what they allege will be massive job losses caused by the ban.