By Mwanaharusi Rashid
Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa have called for the immediate resignation of Agriculture cabinet secretary Mithika Linturi over the circulation of fake fertilizer to farmers.
The two are demanding accountability and swift action in response to the fertilizer scandal.
The call for Linturi’s resignation comes amidst mounting public outrage over reports of counterfeit fertilizers flooding the market, resulting in significant losses for farmers across the country.
The leaders said the CS’s failure to effectively address the issue has exacerbated the already dire situation facing the agriculture sector.
Speaking at a press conference held in Diani, Kwale County Eugene Wamalwa highlighted the devastating impact of the fake fertilizer on farmers.
”If the government is serious about corruption, such a minister should be home, how are we going to grow food and remove Kenya from the list of food insecurity nations in the world when all this is allowed,” he said.
They both emphasized the need for decisive leadership to restore confidence among farmers and salvage the upcoming planting season.
“The rampant distribution of counterfeit fertilizers has dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of our farmers. Minister Linturi must take responsibility for this crisis and step down from his position immediately,” Wamalwa noted.
Echoing Wamalwa’s sentiments, Kalonzo underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the distribution of fake agricultural inputs.
“Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve better than to be subjected to such deception and exploitation. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this injustice any longer. Minister Linturi must resign to pave the way for a thorough investigation into this matter,” he said.
The demand for Linturi’s resignation comes at a critical juncture for Kenya’s agricultural sector, which continues to grapple with numerous challenges, including erratic weather patterns, pest infestations, and now, the proliferation of counterfeit inputs.
The leaders stressed the need for swift action to address these issues and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farmers nationwide.
They urged the government to take decisive measures to prevent further circulation of counterfeit fertilizers and hold accountable all those involved in the illicit trade.
They emphasized the importance of restoring trust and confidence in the agricultural sector to ensure its long-term sustainability and prosperity.
The fake fertilizer scandal represents a serious threat to food security and rural livelihoods, immediate action is needed to restore faith in the integrity of agricultural inputs and support farmers in their efforts to increase productivity and mitigate the effects of climate change.
