President William Ruto on Thursday noon hit out at Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for allegedly questioning the source of funds used in paying sugarcane farmers in Kakamega their bonus.
Addressing the residents of Busia, the Head of State accused Kalonzo of attempting to water down government efforts to fulfill the promises it made to Kenyans.
According to Ruto, the Ksh150 million in bonuses paid to sugarcane farmers were made by Mumias Sugar Company and not the government as alleged by the Azimio leader.
While taking a dig at Kalonzo, Ruto also accused the Wiper Party leader of inciting Kenyans further adding that just like other farmers across the country, sugarcane farmers also had the right to receive their bonuses on time.
“I said we will establish good management so that the farmer is not paid by the government. The bonus has been paid but not by the government, it was done by the company because we have put proper management,” Ruto clarified.
“Tea and coffee farmers are always paid their bonuses, why is it that when a sugarcane farmer is paid their bonuses then people start raising unnecessary questions?” Ruto questioned.
In his remarks, the Head of State clarified that it was the responsibility of the government to follow up on such payments to ensure equal benefits for all Kenyans.
Ruto's sentiments were echoed by Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wah who faulted the former vice president for making baseless claims and raising unnecessary alarm to Kenyans.
"Kalonzo has joined MP Peter Salasya in the same league, asking questions like him. Is this the person who plans to compete against Ruto in 2027?" Ichung'wah wondered.
Ruto's remarks followed hours after Kalonzo took a swipe at him for allegedly misusing the taxpayers' money by making non-statutory payments to farmers.
Kalonzo who addressed the press on Wednesday, January 22, revealed that the Ksh150 million made to sugarcane farmers in Kakamega by the Head of State on Monday, January 20, was done without parliament's approval.
During the presser, Kalonzo also announced planned demonstrations at the end of March this year should the government fail to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
