Kenya's President William Ruto has reversed a contentious ban imposed in parts of the country on muguka, a variety of the popular stimulant known as khat or miraa. The consumption of freshly plucked buds and soft leaves has been blamed for a rise in mental health issues and increased social ills, including crime. Three county governors from the coastal region banned its sale and use last week, sparking anger in the areas where the crop is grown. President Ruto says the muguka crop was legal and its sale should not be prevented. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir earlier banned the entry, transportation, sale and consumption of muguka citing its harmful effects, especially on young people. Governor Nassir said more than half the people recovering in Mombasa rehabilitation centres were muguka addicts.