Kipchumba Murkomen Declares He Won't Plant Maize Again

Majority Leader of the Senate, Kipchumba Murkomen on Saturday declared that he will never again plant maize following the recent scandal at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Expressing his disappointment on the NCPB, Murkomen noted that like many other maize farmers, he is yet to receive payment for the maize he delivered to the board.

Posting on his Twitter page, he exclaimed: "Six months ago I delivered my maize to NCPB. Until now I haven’t been paid. From next year I won’t plant maize again.

"I have no contract with anyone to feed him/her with Ugali. I am moving to avocados. It’s time for the farmer in me to think profit first," added the lawmaker.

[caption caption="File image of Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen at his farm"][/caption]

However, Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua advised the Senator to fight for the rights of the farmers who have not been paid yet by the NCPB before he ventures into avocado farming.

"Leader of Majority Senate, before you venture into avocado, kindly fight for the rightful farmers whose produce is rotting to be paid. Have the real farmers benefit & not traders. That’s the least you can do for them. And, IF possible have the “cartels” prosecuted. Profits later..." Ms Mutua mentioned. 

In his response, Murkomen noted: "Mhesh I will lead them away from maize. You better start changing your diet, my friend. Ugali every hour will soon be a thing of the past. It’s time you focus on kuku."

Kenyans were however not pleased with the legislator's declaration as most of them perceived it to be an admission of failure.

One Gideon Kipchumba mentioned: "I think you should be asking the hard questions related to the NCPB issues, which is when will farmers be paid? & Who imported the maize and delivered to NCPB? rather than this question here, which mocks farmers current situation."

Whereas another one asserted: "That statement is wrong in so many ways, first of all, you are a leader of the majority, very close to the presidency when you throw in the towel are you saying that you guys no longer know what you are doing. Stop mocking Kenyans it's public knowledge that you guys run the NCPB."

On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto called for speedy action against those involved in the maize and fertiliser saga at the NCPB in accordance with the law.

Here are more reactions from Kenyans

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