- President William Ruto has responded to concerns raised by the leader of the Wiper party about the source of his bonus money for sugarcane farmers of the Mumias Sugar Company.
- Ruto criticized Kalonzo Musyoka, saying sugarcane farmers deserve the same benefits as coffee and tea farmers
- The head of state went on to say that the bonus program is not only about Mumias Sugar but will also be implemented in other sugar companies across the country.
President William Ruto has responded to the Wiper party leader's inquiry Kalonzo Musyoka about the source of KSh 150 million allocated for the bonus program for the farmers of Mumias Sugar Company.
Source: Twitter
On Wednesday, January 22, Kalonzo questioned whether the president is using taxpayers' money to pay bonuses to sugarcane farmers.
The party leader added that he has no objection to sugarcane farmers receiving additional income but stressed the need for government accountability.
Did Ruto scold Kalonzo about the sugar bonus remarks?
Speaking in the county of kiss on Thursday, January 23, Ruto expressed dismay at Kalonzo's comments.
The President said that sugarcane farmers deserve benefits, the same as coffee and tea farmers in the country.
He criticized those who doubted his bonus scheme for sugarcane farmers, saying negative forces had affected them.
“When sugarcane farmers receive bonuses, people start asking questions. The devil has visited those people. And we tell them they can fail. Where do coffee farmers receive their bonuses?” Ruto he questioned.
The President confirmed that the source of bonuses for coffee and tea farmers will be the same as that of sugarcane farmers in Mumias, ensuring that all farmers get the same benefits.
“He (Kalonzo) is asking questions. Is he okay? I want to tell him that through proper management, farmers and other workers will be paid without involving the government,” Ruto said.
Ruto explained that the money came from the Mumias Sugar Company and noted that the benefits also apply to Nzoia Sugar, Sony Sugar, and other sugar companies in the country.
The head of state also seemed to call those who are already campaigning for the 2027 General Election, saying that it is still too early.
He confirmed that Kenya First it focuses on delivering its promises to Kenyans before moving into the campaign system.
“The political season has not yet arrived. Now you are saying this: What will happen if we start doing politics? Aren't you going to run? I want to tell you to relax. Things are still going on,” Ruto said.
Gathoni Wamuchomba asks about Ruto's bonus
Rigathi Gachagua's close ally, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba, also seemed to question President Ruto's benefits plan.
He claimed that he does not remember approving bonus funds in the parliamentary budgets.
However, Wamuchomba noted that the president promised to pay all debts related to the sugar and coffee factories.
Further questioning the plan, Wamuchomba asked if every sugarcane farmer in Western Kenya will get a bonus and when the plan will start.
Wamuchomba also questioned why no measures have been taken for coffee farmers in Mount Kenya. He accused the Kenya First government of moving away from its Bottom-Up ideology and focusing on repression.
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