Former Naivasha MP John Mutotho reads mischief in Turkana, Baringo drought crisis

Former Naivasha MP John Mututho has stated that the drought crisis is a cover-up for the government to import duty-free maize.

Addressing a press conference at Naivasha town, Mututho warned that the government was ill-prepared for the drought that has hit Turkana, Baringo and parts of Tana River after failing to buy maize from farmers.

He added that farmers from South Rift have plenty of maize in their stores urging parliament not to allow any importation of the crop.

Former NACADA boss John Mututho Pulse Live Kenya

"The Government should use funds held by the Ministry of Agriculture to pay maize farmers, who will in turn release the produce in their stores and in the process save hundreds of lives," he advised.

Maize scandal due to importation

The former Nacada boss also called upon President Uhuru Kenyatta to curtail any plans to import maize to avoid another maize scandal.

The government is yet to conclude the matter of Sh7 billion that was lost by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) after it allegedly procured four million bags of maize that were reported to be unfit for human consumption.

Later, the board was also rocked with a scandal where maize farmers claimed they had not received payment for bags delivered.

President Kenyatta would later instruct CS Kiunjuri to ensure all farmers who supplied maize were paid.