Kenyan Farmer Kneels Before Jill Biden, Issues Plea

Maria Mungai from Busia County kneels before US First Lady Jill Biden and EAC CS Rebecca Miano on February 25, 2023.
Maria Mungai (left) from Busia County kneels before US First Lady Jill Biden and EAC CS Rebecca Miano on February 25, 2023.
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A farmer from Busia County on Saturday, February 25, went down on her knees before the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, in a bid to decry the high cost of fuel in the country. 

Reports indicated that Maria Mungai directed her sentiments towards Jill and East African Community Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano as she lamented the high cost of powering her rented tractor. 

She called for urgent intervention on the matter to improve their livelihood and source of income. 

A collage photo showing a table banking session witnessed by First Lady of the United States Jill Biden (left) and the US First Lady giving her remarks during her vist to Kenya on February 25, 2023.
A collage photo showing a table banking session witnessed by First Lady of the United States Jill Biden (left) and the US First Lady giving her remarks during her visit to Kenya on February 25, 2023.
Jill Biden

"The challenge of fuel is that it keeps rising so when you buy it, you are left with nothing to pay for the tractor. I pray, I can even go down on my knees," Mungai stated. 

The act by Mungai, however, drew a reaction from the US Secret Service officers who moved closer in a split-second before the farmer quickly got up.  

Mungai was among the farmers invited to present testimonials to the First Lady on the difference the rented American manufactured tractors made on their farms. 

Another farmer also seized the opportunity and requested more tractors from the American government- a plea that was met with a humorous response from the First Lady. 

"I would humbly request if we can get more tractors because for now, I have only one," the farmer pleaded. 

"I don't think that's my job," she stated amidst laughter from the crowd. 

During her second-day trip in the country, Jill also visited Kibera, Nairobi, alongside her Kenyan counterpart, Rachel Ruto, as they chaired a chama session. 

The US First Lady was particularly impressed by the women's resilience in empowering themselves economically.

This is after the women demonstrated the process followed in borrowing and saving through table banking groups. 

“Thank you for inviting me to see how you create financial independence for yourselves. You are really an impressive group,” she stated. 

During the session mama Rachel vowed to support the chama in the digitisation of its operations to enhance efficiency. She also urged more women to be involved in the table banking process. 

US First Lady Jill Biden is slated to end her third-day trip on Sunday, February 26, as she takes a tour in Kajiado County before heading to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for departure.

US First Lady Jill Biden at JKIA on Friday February 24, 2023
US First Lady Jill Biden at JKIA on Friday, February 24, 2023
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US Embassy