The Deputy President has one more time repeated the chorus threat to viciously deal with the cartels controlling the coffee and tea sub sectors amid price slump of the precious commodity that has seen farmers decry of lowered market prices.
Speaking while unveiling the two-days coffee stakeholders summit in Meru county, the DP put the cartels that have hindered the growth of the sub sector on notice saying he will stop at nothing until the cartels are eliminated.
“I want to make an announcement to those feeding off the sweat of farmers. What you have gotten is enough, you can reinvest it elsewhere. You must get just what is due to you. 90% has to go to the farmers.” The DP said.
Previously, the DP has numerously made similar threats but have not yielded much.
The DP urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the government effort to strengthen the sector through putting in place the necessary legislation.”
“The reason we have members of parliament here is so that whatever recommendations you have, we will have a legislative proposal to anchor them in law. Look at issues surrounding the coffee board of Kenya because when they were there, things were working.” He added.
The DP also called for the stakeholders to strengthen research institutions in the sector terming it a key instrument of understanding issues surrounding the markets and value of the product.
“What was in Ruiru coffee research institute today is a shadow of its former self. That is one of the areas the rain started beating us. Research is important. We have to restore the dignity of our women.” Gachagua noted.
The DP sentiments were echoed by the leaders from both county leadership and national government present who vowed to join hands to deal with the cartels.
