Africa-Press – Kenya. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has rejected claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that leaders in the county have been “pocketed” and that Mwea rice farmers lack a market for their produce, describing the remarks as misleading and inconsistent with the situation on the ground.
In a statement issued in response to Gachagua’s comments, Waiguru said the county government has no dispute over Mwea rice and clarified that the National Government has already taken up all rice stored in local depots, ensuring that farmers are paid.
Waiguru also dismissed allegations that Kirinyaga leaders had been compromised, saying elected leaders in the county had made their political choices based on the interests of residents.
“I usually do not respond to petty allegations, recognizing that not every provocation deserves the dignity of response, but on this one, allow me to bring to the attention of former DP Rigathi Gachagua that we have no issue with Mwea rice and to clarify that the National Government has already up taken all rice in our stores, securing our farmers’ incomes,” Waiguru said.
“These sorts of interventions are what true leaders engage in; the rest we leave to activists. As for pocketing leaders: Kirinyaga leaders have decided on which side they are, for the benefit of their people.”
She pointed to a number of development projects implemented under her administration, including the construction and upgrading of feeder roads in Kagio town, the ongoing Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Gathuthuma–Kianjagi Road project, and the 55-kilometre PI–Murinduko–Kiumbu–Kiandegwa Road.
The governor further cited the construction of 11 new markets, the development of a dam to support Mwea farmers, and improved earnings for coffee farmers, who she said are currently earning up to Sh148 per kilogram, the highest payout in the country.
According to Waiguru, collaboration with the National Government has played a key role in improving livelihoods across Kirinyaga County.
She noted that voters would ultimately judge leaders based on performance and service delivery.
Gachagua, while speaking during an interview, claimed that most Members of the County Assembly from Kirinyaga had been compromised by the governor and accused the government of failing to provide a market for Mwea rice, allegations that Waiguru has firmly denied.
“The MCAs from Nyandarua and Murang’a are important, and the ones from Kiambu have made me very happy. Kirinyaga, most of them have been pocketed by the governor, and they don’t even know what is going on, and for that, they will be going home, apart from a few other who know what they are doing; the rest have been bought to betray the community,” Gachagua claimed.
“The government has bought Mwea, and now the residents are crying for a lack of market for their rice, while the governor and other leaders are just walking around. I am okay with the team I have, and so far so good it is expanding by the day.”
