Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says the war to liberate the coffee subsector from the cartels will be won even as the government works to link the farmer directly to the international market.
While urging farmers to be patient with the ongoing reforms, the Deputy President on Monday said the government is breaking the network of cartels that have been operating in the coffee subsector for decades.
He said the profiteering actors in the supply chain are spreading propaganda against the ongoing reforms, but that will not deter him from this assignment of liberating the farmer.
“The oppressors are creating a perception that the government is losing the war on reforms. Let us be patient as they have oppressed us for 30 years. If we suffer for three months, can we die having suffered for three decades? We are on the verge of winning,” he said.
He spoke at Hiriga Village, Nyeri County, during the burial of Samuel Muthungu Kamuhia, 84, his family’s long-time friend.
Kamuhia was also a senior village elder.
The Deputy President also hosted officials of Baricho Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society at his Nyeri home where he updated them on the reforms.
“The brokers will find something else to do unless they pay us a minimum of Ksh150 per kilogram; they can also quit completely. I won’t turn back in the reforms. In this war against coffee cartels we will succeed. You bestowed us with leadership, we will ensure you get money in your pockets through your work and economic activities. We will help our people because that is the right thing to do,” said Mr Gachagua.
In his condolence message, the DP described Kamuhia as an adorable elder, an advisor and conflict resolver in the village.
“He was a close friend of my parents. He was loving and compassionate to all people. It is a major loss to the community. He served in the PCEA Church Elders Council where he was a member of PCMF. We will feel the gap and miss him dearly,” said Mr Gachagua.
Local leaders present were Woman Representative Rahab Mukami Wachira, area MP Eric Wamumbi and county assembly speaker Mwangi Gichuhi.
In their remarks, the leaders supported government’s initiatives towards the revival of the economy and the agricultural subsectors such as tea, coffee, and dairy farming.
MP Wamumbi praised the Deputy President for fighting the cartels face on recalling that the previous administration allowed the cartel networks to thrive.
“As Mt Kenya leaders we are behind you and we will continue supporting you as you take care of our interests in the government,” said Mr Wamumbi.
MP Mukami called for the inclusion of religious leaders in the fight against alcoholism and abuse of substances in Central Kenya region.
“To succeed in the fight against alcoholism, we should incorporate the church so that it can train the youth against abuse of drugs and substances,” she said.
On the fight against alcoholism, the Deputy President said the exercise was 70 percent successful.
“At least there is some sobriety. We are not badly off. 30 percent is remaining,” said the Deputy President.
