‘Farty talk’: We’ve all been vaccinated, has anyone stopped farting? president Ruto pose, defend planned livestock vaccination drive

The Head of State president William Ruto yesterday defended the planned controversial national livestock vaccination drive slated for next month, January 2025, likening it to human vaccination and dismissed talks of methane emission coded as “farting” among animals as ignorant engagement.

Speaking during the annual Kimalel goat auction in Baringo county yesterday, president Ruto said detractors opposed to the programme will not stop its implementation.

Political leaders, elders, politicians and the Kenyan farmers have opposed the planned vaccination drive amid reports that the initiative is being pushed by foreigners.

“Even human beings get vaccinated, there’s no one in Kenya who has not been vaccinated; all our children have been vaccinated, all of us are vaccinated. Now, surely, if it is not dangerous to vaccinate human beings, how is it dangerous to vaccinate animals?…And I’m wondering, they are saying ridiculous things; they are claiming that with this vaccination cows will not be able to fart, surely, is there anyone of us who has stopped farting because they have been vaccinated? What kind of nonsense are we engaged in?” President Ruto posed.

He said the government will proceed, noting that farmers deserve quality animals whose products are in demand globally.

“We are determined to carry out the vaccination programme for our livestock in an effort to increase prices for our livestock products and meet international market standards.” Ruto said.

He explained that failure to vaccinate livestock has become an impediment to local meat products accessing markets in the region and abroad due to disease prevalence.

The president pointed out that local vaccines produced in Kenya will be used to boost animal health and meat export potential, saying those opposed should also give their alternatives.

“We are using vaccines produced locally by Kenyan scientists with knowledge in this field.” He added.

The president told leaders opposed to development to spare livestock and agriculture farmers of their theatrics and explore other avenues to play opposition politics.

“Leaders who have no understanding of the livestock sector and agriculture should spare us their ignorance. You can’t use disinformation and fake news to deny Kenyans international markets by discouraging vaccination of their animals.”  Ruto claimed.

Meanwhile, the president commended leaders, security officers and residents along the Kerio Valley for working together to ensure peace in the region.

He said insecurity challenges in the recent past occasioned by banditry and cattle rustling had retarded the development of education and agriculture, among other sectors, in the region.

“The power of unity, power of agreement and the power of working together has changed the destiny of our people in this region. Perennial problems can also be solved through the power of unity.” Ruto pointed out.

In this connection, the president Ruto called on Kenyans to put aside their political differences and work together for prosperity.

“As Kenyans, we should embrace one another and work together for the sake of peace and prosperity.” He said.

He also commended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was present, for his tireless efforts in implementing government policies in the search for peace when he was Interior Cabinet Secretary.

President Ruto told the residents of Baringo that Sh50million will be used to establish a livestock training centre in the county.

Similarly, the resident said a special economic zone that will use green energy will be set up in the area, adding that plans are underway to start a university in the county.

He urged all Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority, saying the insurance scheme will transform the health sector.

DP Kindiki urged Kenyans to ignore the propaganda being peddled by some individuals about the impending nationwide livestock vaccination and support the exercise.

“Let’s ignore the propaganda about the vaccination and support the exercise for healthy animals whose quality products meet standards for the international market.” The DP said.

He pointed out that teamwork among leaders, security personnel and residents had led to peace being enjoyed along the Kerio Valley.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa cited clueless leadership as the greatest challenge facing Kenya. He said the impending nationwide livestock vaccination will greatly boost livestock business.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot wondered why individuals who have no knowledge of livestock keeping were opposed to the vaccination programme.

“It beats logic that someone who has no knowledge of livestock is opposed to the vaccination programme. It’s unbelievable.” He said.

Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and his Isiolo counterpart Abdi Guyo said they will lead their people in vaccinating their livestock.

“No one should lecture us on why we are vaccinating our livestock because this is an exercise we have been doing regularly. Even the goats we are selling today have been vaccinated,” said Governor Cheboi.

Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) and Andrew Karanja (Agriculture), several MPs and MCAs, among other top government officials, were also present.

In November 2024, Ruto announced a nationwide livestock vaccination program set to commence in January 2025, targeting 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep.

Speaking during the Maa Cultural Festival in Samburu County, he said the initiative seeks to curb diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

“This will ensure we access both national and international markets for our livestock products,” he said.