- President William Ruto strongly responded to Kenyans who have fueled criticism against ongoing livestock vaccines
- Ruto said that his critics do not have the required knowledge about coverage, unlike him, who has a PhD
- The vaccine program, launched on January 30 by Minister Mutahi Kagwe, targets over 80 million livestock across the country
Garissa – President William Ruto Once again he has strongly defended the ongoing livestock vaccine campaign aimed at protecting 22 million cows, 23 million sheep and 35 million goats across the country.
Source: Twitter
Speaking at a visit to Garissa County on Thursday, February 6, the President criticized the critics of the program, questioning their credentials and knowledge of the issue.
William Ruto Responds to Opposing Veterinary Vaccination
Ruto accused his opponents of not having owned livestock that would benefit from the vaccine, stressing that the vaccines were released from the countryside.
He also denied rumors that technology entrepreneur Bill Gates was involved in the campaign.
“You'll hear someone who grows a chorus telling you not to spill the cow. And you've been squeezing your cows all the years; and then someone comes up with words to change your mind. They say there is someone called Bill Gates, where is Gates here in Garissa? These cows are Our, and doctors are ours too. asked the president.
The head of state called the opponents of the plan to be obsolete, saying that he had the qualifications needed to talk about the vaccine.
“They are fools, and they can go to hell. And if you see someone talking, you don't know where he read, but here I have a PhD. I understand what is going on in Kenya. You find very little educated people trying to teach me; what do they teach me?” He continued.
Ruto's remarks are rising as the major vaccine campaign continues to face opposition from various leaders and citizens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdfrhu9Bykc
What did Mutahi Kagwe say about livestock vaccines?
Meanwhile, the campaign, which started on January 30, aims to tackle foot and lips (FMD) in cattle, sheep and goats across the country.
Secretary of the Cabinet of Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwewho launched the program in Kisargei village, Laikipia County, assured farmers that the vaccines were safe.
He emphasized that the vaccines are produced locally at the Kenya Livestock Prevention Institute (Kevevapi) and have been approved.
Kagwe also addressed allegations that the vaccines were imported from Western countries, emphasizing that Kevevapi not only produces vaccines for Kenya but also produces vaccines for 12 other African countries that are not capable of producing.
Despite ongoing criticism, Ruto and Kagwe have emphasized the importance of the livestock protection program in the country.
How much will the veterinary vaccine cost?
Secretary General of Agriculture and Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke announced that the vaccine campaign would cost approximately KSh 3.95 billion.
He explained that the PPR vaccine will cost KSh 35, with FDM vaccine sold for KSh 100 per animal.
The government will pay costs to farmers, who will repay the amount once they sell their livestock, while Mueke also confirms that the vaccine will be optional.
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