Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni faced a hostile reception during the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day in Meru County after claiming that President William Ruto’s administration had successfully lowered the cost of animal feeds.
The event, which drew thousands of livestock farmers from around the region and high-profile leaders, including President Ruto, had been organised to showcase innovation in the dairy industry in the region.
The crowd, relatively calm and collected, was charged when the MP took to the stage and started praising President Ruto, showcasing some of the projects he had done.
The farmers followed her speech until she reached the point where she alleged that the President had lowered the prices of animal feeds. In a quick rejoinder, the farmers rejected the claim and heckled the MP, forcing her to stop.
"We would like to thank you because you have been a big help to the Meru dairy farmers, you have reduced the price of animal feeds, and we are grateful...," the MP alleged.
However, before she could finish the statement, the charged crowd interrupted and heckled her, emphasising that the prices had not gone down.
“Hapana, hapana, hajafanya hivyo. Wapi hizo bei zimepungua? Tunateseka bado. (No, he has not done that. Where have the prices gone down? We are still suffering,” the farmers said.
The lawmaker was forced to acknowledge the concerns. She quickly changed her tune and promised the farmers that although this had not been done, the regional leadership would follow up to ensure the prices of animal feeds were reduced.
“If the prices have not been reduced, that is fine, but the president is here and we will look into the matter to ensure it is resolved,” Muthoni assured.
The bold response from the farmers expressed their growing frustration over the high cost of production, which they maintained had remained unsustainable.
While addressing the farmers at the event, President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to the agriculture sector, assuring farmers that lowering the cost of milk production remains a top priority in his administration.
Also present at the event were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muga, and other leaders.
