This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Published on July 14, 2019, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has come under fire for his decision to import maize, but he remains resolute in his stance.
Speaking at Kahira Ini Church in Mathira, Nyeri County, Kiunjuri defended his decision, stating that the country does not have enough maize to meet the demand, which is pushing up the prices of flour.
He further claimed to be a victim of a political witch-hunt, with leaders from maize-growing regions of Western Kenya demanding his resignation.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua came out in support of Kiunjuri, saying he is working to ensure that maize flour remains affordable as per the president's wishes.
However, the politicians demanding Kiunjuri's resignation claimed that he was sponsoring a coup against farmers to reward traders.
The controversy surrounding maize imports has been ongoing, with Strategic Food Reserve Board Chairman Noah Wekesa clashing with Kiunjuri over the issue last week.
