Businesspeople and government officials involved in the supply of sub-standard fertiliser will face the full force of the law irrespective of their status, President William Ruto has said.
Saying their days are numbered, the President warned anyone who interferes with government efforts to increase food production in the country will not be spared.
Speaking at St Peter’s Anglican Church of Kenya, Nyeri, on Sunday, during the retirement service for Mt Kenya West Anglican Bishop Joseph Mwangi Kagunda, President Ruto assured Kenyans that there is enough fertiliser during this planting season.
“I want to assure Kenyans that stern action will be taken against those behind the supply of sub-standard fertiliser whether they are businesspeople or government officials,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto asked political leaders to desist from populist politics and serve Kenyans, pointing out that leaders are elected to serve and not to be popular.
“We are not elected so that we become popular; we are elected to serve the people by making the right decisions,” the President said.
He pointed out that his administration was addressing the challenges facing the country by implementing the right policies.
President Ruto explained that the reduction of food prices, including unga, was a consequence of the right and correct decisions that the government has made.
“We all know that shilling is becoming stronger against the dollar, prices of unga have reduced and today, the prices of fuel prices will reduce by up to KSh10,” he said.
He regretted that Kenya has been left behind by countries that were at the same level of development in 1963.
These include countries in South-East Asia such as Singapore and Malaysia.
“This is why I ask leaders to desist from populist politics and implement the right decisions for our country to prosper,” said President Ruto.
President Ruto cited the government fight against illicit brews, drug abuse and corruption, among other vices, saying this can only be won if the right decisions are made.
On the election of a new bishop in the Mt Kenya West Diocese, President Ruto urged for patience so that God’s will and the Anglican Church constitution can prevail.
“There is no leader who is elected by bad luck. All leadership comes from God,” he said.
He pointed out that the government will continue to work closely with the Church in serving Kenyans.
“We’ll embrace the spirit of working together to address the challenges facing our nation,” said Dr Ruto.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said wrangles over leadership were tarnishing the image of the Church.
He said the Church should set a good example on transition and succession that should be emulated by politicians.
“Transition of church leadership should be peaceful, not confrontational,” said Mr Gachagua.
He urged the clergy who have gone to court over the election of the diocesan bishop to withdraw the case and solve their issues amicably.
“There should be no fight on who takes over the leadership of the church,” said Mr Gachagua.
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