“Sasa Iko Haja Gani Mimi Kupendwa na Wanaume?” – Gachagua Takes a Bold Stand Against His Critics.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded strongly to critics who disapprove of his style of politics. Speaking at an induction workshop for Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings directors on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Mombasa, Gachagua addressed those who have expressed dislike for him, stating that he knows there are individuals who disfavor him because of his boldness and insistence on speaking the truth. Despite the criticism, the Deputy President emphasized that he will continue to advocate for Kenyan farmers. He remarked that the love he receives from his spouse is enough for him, making it unnecessary to seek approval elsewhere.
“Najua wengine hamunipendi lakini mimi siyo lazima nipendwe, si Pastor Dorcas ananipenda sasa iko haja gani mimi kupendwa na wanaume? Hakuna haja, we must speak the truth, and the time to fight for the farmer is now,” he declared. Gachagua further criticized KTDA for engaging in loss-making ventures and transferring the financial burden to farmers, insisting that there is no justification for such practices.
The Deputy President expressed his concerns over what he described as excessive spending by the KTDA directors, particularly in terms of travel expenses. He pointed out that between January and June 2024, the directors’ local and foreign travel expenditures had reached Ksh44 million. “You know I am a truthful man, so allow me to tell you the truth because if I don’t tell you, the farmers will. If you look at foreign travel for directors between January and June 2024, KTDA Holdings on foreign and local travel we have spent Ksh44 million,” he stated, emphasizing that this significant amount will ultimately be deducted from the farmers.
Gachagua called on the leadership of KTDA to cut down on their expenses, especially with new directors expected to take office. He warned that the directors’ current spending habits could jeopardize the entire tea sector, with farmers potentially abandoning the crop if they feel marginalized. “So I want to ask you, as you settle to work, let us put effort into how to reduce expenses for the directors so that the farmers can get their rightful share, because if a farmer gives up, he will uproot the tea and there will be no one to elect you,” he advised.
In addition, Gachagua challenged the directors to explore new markets to support the farmers and voiced concerns over the high cost of production per kilogram of tea leaves. He urged the leaders to devise strategies to lower production costs and demanded better compensation for farmers’ harvests. “Anything short of this is a fail,” he stated firmly while unveiling plans to revamp the tea sector.
He also urged the Tea Board of Kenya to take decisive action against factories and tea brokers that fail to comply with regulations, suggesting that their licenses be revoked and they face financial penalties. “The Tea Board of Kenya must ensure that any factories and brokers who do not do the right thing have their licenses revoked immediately and are surcharged,” he concluded, underscoring his commitment to reforming the tea sector and safeguarding the interests of Kenyan farmers.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
