BY RITA MUTHONI
A Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries has ignited controversy by linking the ongoing fake fertilizer scandals to non-supporters of William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking to disgruntled farmers who brought samples of the fake fertilizers before the committee in Embu, the senators advised the president to quickly arrest individuals involved in distributing the fake fertilizers to eliminate any chances of their alleged plans succeeding.
“We want to tell the president, we know you are doing well, but your people are failing you, and it is high time you called them to order because if you don’t, they will ensure you are never re-elected,” said Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome.
He said the people who are cheating farmers should be treated like economic saboteurs and must face the law, including the highest penalty, which is life imprisonment.
“When you deny a farmer the opportunity to farm and pocket money, there is no greater terrorism than that. The greatest terrorism starts by making farmers hungry,” said Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango, the Senate Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Committee Chairperson.
Murango noted that the committee was committed to getting to the bottom of the investigation, urging Ruto to allow the committee to determine the fate of the government officials found in connection to the saga.
The senators demanded that farmers who purchased fake fertilizers be repaid with quality fertilizers or receive a refund for the bags they bought.
“The government should repay farmers who purchased the fake fertilizers with quality ones or refund them their money,” said Murango.
Murango encouraged leaders to stand firm in their decision to fight for community rights saying it indicates true leadership.
“We are not here to whitewash things. We are here because we want to solve your problems. That is true leadership,” Murango told the farmers.
The committee has visited several counties, including Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu, and Nandi County to investigate the spread of counterfeit fertilizers.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and his Trade Counterpart Rebecca Miano are expected to appear before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
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