President William Ruto on Monday, May 1, issued a clarification on the availability of cheap maize flour in the Kenyan market.
Ruto was speaking while addressing Kenyans during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
"There is maize flour costing 200, other brands go for 180 while the cheapest goes for Ksh158, this gives the consumer an opportunity to choose what suits them," Ruto explained.
Ruto explained that consumers have a right to choose which brand of maize flour to pick from retail outlets in the country.
The President's remarks came shortly after a crowd shouted at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua when he mentioned the issue of cheap maize flour.
While welcoming the President to address the gathering during Labour Day celebrations, Gachagua stated that the government had lowered the cost of maize flour.
"The government has put measures in place to lower the cost of living and even the cost of maize flour has come down to something slightly above Ksh150," Gachagua told the gathering, amid jeers.
According to Kenyans, majority were yet to see cheap maize flour in various retail shops.
Ruto's clarification came at a time opposition Azimio leaders were criticizing the Government for misleading Kenyans that the price of maize had dropped when most brands were still retailing at an average of Ksh200.
The Head of State explained that the price of maize flour could not come down through street protests, as it was being pushed by Azimio leaders.
"Demonstrations cannot bring down the cost of living, it can not bring down the cost of maize flour," Ruto hit out at the opposition for insisting on street protests.
He added that it is through facilitating farmers with cheaper farm inputs that can lead to cheaper maize flour.
At the same time, the Head of State defended the 6 per cent contribution to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) by workers and employers.
He explained that raising NSSF contribution from Ksh200 to 6 percent of workers' basic salary was a government's move to safeguard retirees and ensure they live decent lives.
