Maize farmers in Eldoret have threatened to hold protests over unfulfilled promises made by Deputy President William Ruto to have Ksh2.5 Billion released to them.
Addressing farmers earlier in April, DP Ruto stated that the money would be disbursed to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in the region.
However, Moiben MP Sila Tiren accused the government of lying to the farmers as the money had not been released as promised.
[caption caption="File image of Moiben MP Sila Tiren "]
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“As I said last week, the money will not be released because the government is now used to lying to farmers," he conveyed.
On his part, Director of the Kenya Farmers Association Kipkorir Menjo stated that farmers would resume their protests at the NCPB depot in the town.
“We are being fooled. We will have to paralyse NCPB operations if the money is not released," he declared.
During International Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo’s homecoming party at Chepkosom Primary School in Uasin Gishu County, DP Ruto explained that there was surplus maize at the depots
"Farmers supplied one million bags of maize to the board last year, which consumed a budget of Ksh3.5 Billion but the supplies increased this year to 3.5 million bags which has consumed a budget of Ksh7.1 Billion.
"We’ve however released the remaining Sh2 billion which will be paid to farmers this week,” he stated.
He blamed maize brokers for defrauding farmers: “We will not allow unscrupulous businessmen to take advantage of our farmers. We will not use tax payer’s money to pay brokers.”
[caption caption="DP William Ruto"]
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