Kenya Insights

Tag: Mwangi Kiunjuri

  • Boniface Mwangi Hints at DP Rigathi Gachagua Alleged Involvement in Violent Parliament Invasion

    Boniface Mwangi Hints at DP Rigathi Gachagua Alleged Involvement in Violent Parliament Invasion

    Boniface Mwangi, a renowned activist and photojournalist, has hinted that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is under state investigation for allegedly financing the violent invasion of Kenya’s Parliament on June 25, 2024.

    The invasion occurred during Gen Z-led protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024/25, which President William Ruto later withdrew.

    DP Rigathi Gachagua

    Did DP Rigathi Gachagua Play a Role in the Parliament Invasion?

    Mwangi Kiunjuri, Laikipia East MP, revealed in an NTV interview that four politicians from the Mt. Kenya region organized 20,000 protesters, with 3,000 coming from Juja.

    He claimed government funds supported this protest, and authorities were aware of the involved office.

    Kiunjuri’s statements have intensified the political turmoil, challenging the government to address these allegations and restore public order.

    Protests and Government Response

    Protesters clashed with police during the demonstrations, escalating into the storming and partial burning of the Parliament building.

    President Ruto deployed military forces to assist the National Police Service in managing the unrest.

    A government gazette stated, “Pursuant to Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya… the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024, in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests.”

    Boniface Mwangi’s Allegations

    Boniface Mwangi’s allegations have further fueled the fire. Reports suggest the state is now pursuing those suspected of orchestrating the invasion.

    Several protesters were fatally shot, and many were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital with bullet wounds, raising the stakes in the political crisis.

    President Ruto’s Address and Withdrawal of the Finance Bill

    President Ruto, in his address to the nation on the night of the incident, condemned the violence, blaming criminals disguised as Gen Z protesters.

    He announced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill the following day to quell the unrest.

    However, DP Gachagua blamed Noordin Haji, Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), for failing to provide timely information about the protests’ magnitude.

    Political Accusations and Responses

    “We have a dysfunctional National Intelligence Service that has exposed the President, the government, and the people of Kenya,” Gachagua stated.

    Amid rampant rumors, government bloggers suggested Gachagua financed the violent protests.

    The government also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of sponsoring the chaos, complicating the political landscape further.

    Impact on President Ruto’s Administration

    The ongoing protests have put President Ruto in a difficult position as he struggles to restore order and address demonstrators’ grievances.

    To strengthen his political base, Ruto expanded his cabinet to include vocal politicians allied with Opposition Chief Raila Odinga.

    Kiunjuri’s Statements and Political Polarization

    Kiunjuri’s assertion that youths from Juja were paid to storm Parliament adds complexity to the situation.

    As a key ally of President Ruto, Kiunjuri’s statements have further polarized the political environment.

    The government’s response to these allegations and its ability to manage the ongoing unrest will be critical in determining the stability of Ruto’s administration.

    Controversial Finance Bill and Public Outcry

    The Finance Bill 2024/25, seen as highly punitive by many Kenyans, particularly the youth, proposed tax increases and austerity measures perceived as disproportionately affecting the lower and middle classes.

    The government withdrew the bill in direct response to the public outcry and the violent events that unfolded, but the damage to its credibility was already done.

    Future Implications for DP Rigathi Gachagua

    As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Parliament invasion and the broader political implications, the spotlight remains on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

    If proven true, the accusations against him could have far-reaching consequences for his political career and the stability of the current administration.

    The government’s investigation into the funding and organization of the protests will be crucial in uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.

    Call for Transparency and Reform

    Boniface Mwangi’s challenge to Mwangi Kiunjuri and the subsequent public discourse highlight deep-seated issues within Kenya’s political landscape.

    Corruption, misuse of government funds, and political manipulation remain significant concerns. The events of June 25, 2024, have brought these issues to the forefront.

    As Kenya navigates this tumultuous period, the need for transparency, accountability, and genuine political reform has never been more apparent.

    The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the direction of the country’s political future and the ability of its leaders to address the root causes of the unrest.

    Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo also responded to Kiunjuri’s post, challenging him to name the obvious person as he sympathized with “RugyG,” cleverly hinting at Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President.

  • Rift Valley MPs Says Ruto Has A 500,000 Acre Maize Farm In Congo The Reason He Told Farmers To Do Avocado Instead

    Rift Valley MPs Says Ruto Has A 500,000 Acre Maize Farm In Congo The Reason He Told Farmers To Do Avocado Instead

    Maize scandals surrounding DP Ruto seems like are here to haunt him forever.

    In an explosive political storm started by three Rift Valley MPs, Deputy President William Ruto has been accused of owning a 500,000-acre maize farm in the Republic of Congo.

    The controversial Jubilee lawmakers claimed that Ruto has been discouraging famers from planting Maize.

    The move is said to be positioning Ruto as the Principal and only maize supplier to the scandal-ridden NCPB.

    Joshua Kutuny, Cherangany MP , Alfred Keter of Nandi Hill and Silas Tiren of Moiben alleged that Ruto has been encouraging farmers to substitute maize farming with avocado and macadamia.

    “You can’t be telling us to plant avocados, plant macadamia but you are not telling us what happened to maize…Now you have gone even to Congo. You are growing 500,000 acres of maize,” Keter told a local press.

    Kutuny asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be open on the backdoor deals that he alleged that Ruto had signed with the Denis Nguesso on behalf of the government.

    In September last year, DP Ruto traveled to Brazzaville with a large delegation and held talks with the country’s top leaders.

    Ruto’s website says DP was in Congo Brazaville for an official visit and was received at the Maya International Airport by Prime Minister Clement Mouamba.

    According to the government, Ruto’s tour was aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries in various fields of interest.

    Statements sent to media houses say that the two countries agreed to cooperate in political consultations, economics, trade and investment, agriculture, science and technology, culture and arts.

    Ruto accompanied Mining and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary John Munyes, Governor Kahiga Mutahi of Nyeri and Governor Granton Samboja of Taita Taveta. Also in delegation wasTrade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

    It has been alleged that Ruto used this State sponsored trip to seal his maize deals in Congo.

    “Part of his mission to Congo recently was to sign the deal to start maize farming there. He wants local farmers to do avocado to occasion a maize shortage in the country so that his maize from Brazzaville can gets its way to the local market,” Kutuny stated.

    When local press reached DP’s office for comment, the DP’s communication director David Mugonyi said, “I will not respond to nonsense.”

    Rift Valley is the biggest maize producer in country but poor pricing and infiltration by maize cartels threaten the region’s economic mainstay.

    The Jubilee legislators have asked the DPP Noordin Haji to crack the whip on Ruto and other influential officers based at Harambee House Annex.

    “Farmers, you must know this: most of our problems involving maize and fertilizer have been brought about the Deputy President and his office. We want his office investigated,” Keter said.

    Our constitution does not insulate the Deputy President or any other leader from criminal or civil prosecution while still in office.

    On Ruto’s defense, there is also no law that bars anyone or any leader from farming outside the country and importing the produce to Kenya.

    “We want the DPP to investigate Ruto over maize. Every time the government releases money to NCPB to pay farmers, he calls all managers and instructs them who to pay and who not to pay,” Keter said.

    Maize scandal has had many accomplices including Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe and top NCPB officials who all are currently facing charges of fraud in the payment of traders instead of genuine farmers.

    The Jubilee MPs from the maize growing rift valley have rubbished DP’s early 2022 campaigns saying that Ruto stands no chance to succeed Uhuru.

    Ruto has banked everything he has on his Rift Valley backyard to take him to State House but the criticism from within and parallel critics from Kanu’s Gideon Moi has already started threatening his grip.

    “We don’t want the 2022 talk. In fact, he has already lost. There is no direction. You are going nowhere,” Keter commented on Ruto’s bid.

    “Lifestyle audit should continue. They should not come here to fundraise for us. Farmers here don’t want fundraisers. They want good pricing for their maize, better pricing for tea and milk and hospitals and roads built,” Keter said.

    Their pressure seems to be bearing fruits. Last week, Mwangi Kiunjuri was forced to suspend Sh2,300 price tag for a 90kg bag of maize and called for further consultation following protests from farmers.

    According to Keter and the team, farmers must be paid at least Sh3,600 for every bag of maize.

    Keter also dismissed claims by the government that there was a bumper harvest last year.

    President Uhuru has on various occasions, fired warnings at Kiunjuri over the massive irregular payments made to maize cartels through NCPB.

    “I promise you, Kiunjuri, and I swear before God, try that again and you’ll see what will happen to you. Sisi hatutaki mchezo tena,” President Kenyatta ranted during the Nairobi International Trade Fair that was held on 4th September last year.

  • Much Of Maize Reserved At NCPB Is Contaminated With Aflatoxin

    Much Of Maize Reserved At NCPB Is Contaminated With Aflatoxin

    State’s Strategic Food Reserve (SFR) are holding over 124,486 bags of maize contaminated with aflatoxin.

    This is coming at a time when the government is contemplating importing maize to plug a biting shortfall.

    Ministry of Agriculture has in a report tabled in Parliament revealed that more than half of the contaminated maize is to be destroyed through incineration.

    NCPB said that the other half will be used to process animal feeds.

    According to the World Health Organisation,WHO, large doses of aflatoxin leads to acute poisoning (aflatoxicosis) that is life-threatening, usually through damage to the liver.

    Long-term or chronic exposure to aflatoxins has several health consequences and may affect all organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys. It can also cause liver cancer.

    NCPB which stores the strategic food reserves (SFR), had issued a statement early last month saying that maize worth Sh9.2 billion was at risk of going to waste.

    The cash-strapped NCPB said they’ve ran out of funds to light storage silos and most importantly, carry out fumigation.

    Credible sources say that NCPB employees have gone two months without salaries.

    Kenya Power had also disconnected electricity over pending bills.

    Strategic Food Reserve’s board is yet to make a decision on whether to approve the destruction of the poisonous maize despite recommendations by an inter-agency team that the grain should be disposed through incineration under supervision of the Directorate of Public Health.

    A report tabled before the Senate committee on Agriculture, shows that about half of the maize with harmful aflatoxin levels (more than 20 parts per billion against the East African Community standard of 10 parts per billion) is currently held in Machakos and Nakuru Depots.

    The report also revealed that Nairobi, Meru, Migori, Lugari and Isiolo NCPB depots are holding contaminated maize with aflatoxin levels of below 20ppb.

    “Maize with total aflatoxin levels of more than 20ppb be disposed through incineration in a kiln preferably Bamburi Cement factory which can attain temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees centigrade required for denaturing the aflatoxin,” reads part of the report recommendations.

    Severe maize shortfall has seen shelf prices of packaged maize flour hit Sh125.

    In what was termed as, effort to meet the shortfall, The government last week announced through the ministry of Agriculture that it will open a window for duty-free import of 12.5 million bags of maize.

    Ten million bags out of the 12.5 million earmarked for importation will be white maize for household consumption while 2.5 million will be yellow maize for processing of animal feeds.

    According to the contaminated maize report, Machakos depot is holding 10,710 bags of the grain with the highest aflatoxin levels of 28.8 ppb followed by Nakuru depot which has 54,597 bags with 28.6ppb levels.

    Isiolo has 11,663 contaminated bags. Meru has14,460 contaminated bags. Lugari has 26,264, Nairobi 5,427 and Migori 1,504.

    The contamination levels range between 13.6ppb to 28.8ppb.

    Agriculture Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri says the Ministry constituted an inter-agency committee on food safety and standards with members from National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis), Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and Ministry of Health to carry out sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis for aflatoxin contamination.

    “The collected maize samples were subject to laboratory analysis and the results showed that a total of 6,231.25 MT in seven depots had aflatoxin levels of more than 10 ppb,” CS Kiunjuri said.

    CS for Agriculture also added that two rounds of sampling were carried out in November 2018 and January 18, 2019.

    According to CS Kiunjuri, a committee led by the ministry of Health visited the seven depots from March 3 and 7 to isolate and officially seize the maize contaminated with aflatoxin as required by the law.

    Mr Kiunjuri, in a brief presented to MPs by Andrew Tuimur, the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) told said the committee had made a number of recommendations pursuant to the East African Community (EAC) Policy Brief No.8 of 2018.

  • Disaster: An Acute Maize Shortage Is Looming In Kenya

    Disaster: An Acute Maize Shortage Is Looming In Kenya

    Agriculture Cabinet  Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has declined to authorise the importation of more maize.

    NCPB stock records indicate that they have bags to run for only one month in storage.

    CS Kiunjuri says the decision to authorize maize importation requires approval of a full Cabinet.

    CS Kiunjuri said duty-free imports have been controversial in the past years.

    The CS told a local press that he’s going to involve the entire cabinet in the vital decision in order to avoid political cartels that always make huge profits from such importations.

    Initially, ministry of Agriculture used to apply for tax waivers from the Treasury. The ministry would later issue permits to specific traders and millers who later imports duty-free maize.

    Maize is the staple food in many poor households and the anticipated shortage would lead to massive prices hikes of maize flour and products.

    “I know time is running out, but I will leave that decision to be made by the Cabinet. I understand that landmines are being set for me and that is what I am avoiding,” CS Mwangi Kiunjuri in a media press.

    The Government had said that they have 21 million bags, which from their estimations would sustain the country until mid June.

    The NCPB is also set to release 3 million bags to Maize Miller’s. The bags are from governments Strategic Food Reserves.

    In 2017, Treasury CS Henry Rotich and the then Agriculture CS Willy Bet were subjected to thorough scrutiny and grilling from the Senate for abuse of the importation process.

    Last year, the Senate agricultural committee members accused Mr Bett of opening gates of cheap maize which affected local farmers products that were already in the markets.

    Gerald Musila, the Executive Director of Eastern African Grain Council, said that the maize will arrive more than 3 months later.

    Musila emphasized that the process should have been authorized months ago because it takes over 3 months for maize to reach Kenya from any suitable country.

    Kenya had previously imported controversial maize from Mexico that took over 4months to reach in the country.

    Our agricultural statistics indicate that Kenya depends on maize imports from Malawi and Zambia.

    However, Zambia has barred all maize importations and Malawi crop production was massively affected by Cyclone Kenneth and Cyclone .

    Tegemeo Institute researcher Dr. Timothy Njagi, said the needs to be an accurate assessment of the amount of maize in the country.

    flour section in a supermarket. FILE PHO

    In support of Dr. Njagi’s advice was Dr. Andrew Tuimur, the Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture.

    Dr Tuimur said that the ministry want to avoid the repeat of mistakes that made in 2017.

    In 2017, the government subsidy programme intended to import 6million backs but a backdoor deal between the ministry and Millers saw 10million bags being imported in.

    In April this year, Kenya’s inflation rate increased to 6.58% from the previous 4.35%.

    Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has projected a very sharp rise and increased maize flour and corn related food prices.

    KNBS also reported that the maize shortage is going to cause a price upsurge on nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks as from mid June.