- President highlighted showcased his vision for Agriculture development in the country.
- The government also announced additional allocation of Sh2 billion towards the dairy sector.
Image: William Ruto/X
President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have kept off politics during their tour in Meru county.
The two leaders focused on the government's development agenda.
This is the first time Ruto is visiting the Mt Kenya since his differences with Gachagua surfaced.
He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Mithika Linturi (Agriculture) and Simon Chelugui (Cooperatives).
For weeks, there has been a smoldering political row between Ruto and Rigathi camps.
The rift that has sucked in their lieutenants in Parliament and Cabinet, has seen the officials trade barbs in public.
On Friday, Ruto highlighted his plans in the agricultural sector that seeks to ensure farmers benefit from their produce.
Apart from the farming subsidies, the President assured the region of favourable milk prices.
He announced an additional Sh2 billion allocation to the dairy sector to boost cooperatives and enhance farmers’ access to credit facilities.
As part of ensuring dairy farmers are not exploited, Ruto directed that farmers sell their milk to Kenya Cooperative Creameries at Sh50 per litre from next month.
Ruto warned coffee farmers against going for new loans following the debt waiver by the government.
The government this week announced Sh6.8 billion waiver of historical coffee debts owed to all farmers.
“Going forward, any debt will not be borrowed by the board until it is approved by the farmers at the Annual General Meeting,” Ruto said.
“As a government, we have also pumped additional Sh600 million towards Kenya Planters Cooperative Union modernisation.”
Rigathi said the region loves the President and supports his agenda.
He spoke at Mitunguu Technical Training Institute in South Imenti,
The DP said Mount Kenya region is 'solidly' behind Ruto.
"Our duty is to support our president so that he can initiate development projects across the country. Meru county is happy because the President we voted for continues to visit us,'' Gachagua said.
He said the region is happy with Ruto's development agenda.
Rigathi praised the President’s commitment to fulfill some of the pledges in the region.
“We should thank the President. Last year, we were complaining about insecurity, but right now, Meru is safe,” he said.
“I want to welcome you as the son of Meru because we love you and that's why we voted for you."
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire urged the President as save muguka.
She said thousands of farmers depend on the crop.
“I would urge you [Ruto] to intervene on the muguka issue because our farmers are suffering. I know this is a small issue you can help us navigate,” Mbarire said.