Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has strongly dismissed allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that Mwea rice farmers are facing a market crisis and that county leaders have been compromised in protecting farmers’ interests. The governor described the claims as misleading and not reflective of the situation on the ground, highlighting ongoing government interventions that have benefitted farmers and residents alike.
Gachagua, in a recent media interview, claimed that rice farmers in Mwea were struggling due to a lack of a ready market. He accused county legislators of being “pocketed” by Waiguru’s leadership and focusing on political agendas rather than economic concerns. He argued that the government had failed to secure buyers for locally produced rice even as imported rice entered the market, leaving farmers with unsold stocks and shrinking incomes. He also alleged that most Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Kirinyaga had been co-opted politically and were not representing their constituents’ interests.
In response, Governor Waiguru said she generally avoids engaging with “petty allegations,” but felt obliged to clarify the facts for the sake of farmers and county residents. She stated that all rice stored in county facilities had already been purchased by the National Government, a move she described as securing the incomes of Mwea rice growers and addressing concerns about market access.
Waiguru dismissed the idea that Mwea rice farmers had no market, saying such narratives ignore government action and the collaborative efforts between the county and national levels. She framed the purchase of rice stocks as a practical, leaders-driven intervention designed to stabilise farmers’ economic prospects after harvest.
“We have no issue with Mwea rice and to clarify that the National Government has already uptaken all rice in our stores, securing our farmers’ incomes,” Waiguru said, stressing that development achievements should be measured by tangible outcomes rather than rhetoric. She challenged critics to focus on interventions that deliver results for communities instead of political point-scoring.
The governor also addressed accusations that county leaders had been compromised, calling them unfounded. She said elected representatives in Kirinyaga had made deliberate political choices based on what they believed was best for their constituents, not because of undue influence or inducement. Waiguru emphasised that leadership decisions were made with the welfare of county residents at the forefront.
To underscore her point, Waiguru outlined a number of development projects implemented through cooperation between Kirinyaga County and the National Government. These include the upgrading of feeder roads in Kagio town, ongoing work on the Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Gathuthuma–Kianjagi Road, and the 55-kilometre PI–Murinduko–Kiumbu–Kiandegwa Road project. Such infrastructure improvements were designed to enhance market access and support economic activity in the region.
She also highlighted the construction of 11 new markets and the development of a dam intended to support agricultural productivity, particularly for Mwea rice farmers. According to the governor, such projects demonstrate her administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities and safeguarding livelihoods beyond political debate.
In addition to rice farming, Waiguru pointed to gains in other agricultural sectors, noting that coffee farmers in Kirinyaga were receiving improved payouts of up to Sh148 per kilogram, which she described as the highest in the country. She attributed these gains to joint efforts with the National Government, which have helped improve the welfare of local communities.
“Our collaboration with the National Government has helped us improve the welfare of our people,” Waiguru said, adding that voters will ultimately judge leaders based on performance and service delivery rather than political posturing. She reaffirmed her administration’s focus on practical interventions that make a difference in people’s lives.
Waiguru’s rebuttal comes amid broader political debates in the Mt Kenya region, where alliances and leadership directions are being actively discussed ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Despite the political exchange, she maintained that her priority remains the socio-economic development of Kirinyaga residents, reiterating that effective leadership should centre on delivering tangible benefits rather than engaging in political conflict.
Image by Tuko News
