This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On July 14, 2019, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri faced intense backlash following his stand on the maize shortage in Kenya.
Speaking at Kahira-ini Catholic Church in Nyeri County, Kiunjuri accused Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga and other leaders of spreading propaganda and misleading Kenyans on the plan to import maize.
"Some leaders are okay with Kenyans buying maize at Sh130 because they always think that just because they are corrupt, everyone is corrupt," Kiunjuri said.
He emphasized that the country is facing a maize shortage, which has led to increased demand and high prices, and that the decision to import maize is a Cabinet decision, not a personal one.
"We have seen the price of a two kilogramme packet of maize flour rise from Sh90 to Sh130. But how many people can afford that price? If you deal with gold, do not imagine maize is gold. Some of the people spreading propaganda are involved in selling fake gold," Kiunjuri said.
ODM leader Raila Odinga had earlier urged the ministry to shelve its planned importation of maize, claiming the shortage is artificial and meant to benefit cartels.
Some MPs from the Rift Valley have accused Kiunjuri of protecting cartels in the ministry and asked President Kenyatta to sack him.
