ODM Presents Four Key Demands To President William Ruto And His Administration

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has four demands for President William Ruto and his administration. In a statement issued on February 12, ODM Acing Party chairman Prof.

Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed serious worry about the catastrophic condition faced by wheat farmers in Narok and North Rift counties.

“Despite recording a bumper harvest this season, these hardworking farmers find themselves with nowhere to sell their produce,” Nyong’o told the audience.

Nyong’o stated that neither the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) nor private millers are purchasing wheat, exposing farmers to substantial financial losses.

He said that the situation has been compounded by well connected people’ unrestricted importation of cheap wheat, which essentially floods the market and undercuts local growers.

According to Nyong’o, the majority of farmers are repaying loans from financial organizations, making their situation even more perilous.

“With no buyers for their harvest and a lack of proper storage facilities, they are staring at devastating  losses that threaten their livelihoods and economic stability,” he told me.

ODM emphasized that a nation that mistreats its farmers invites food insecurity, exacerbates poverty and  inequality, and fuels widespread unemployment.

The Party urged the government to intervene immediately by asking the NCPB to purchase locally produced  wheat at fair pricing.

In addition, ODM requested that the government control wheat imports to protect local farmers from unfair  competition.

“The government’s failure to protect local wheat farmers contradicts its own policy of providing subsidized inputs, only to abandon them at the most critical moment,” Nyong’o told the crowd.

In addition, ODM has requested that the government give prompt storage and logistical help to reduce         post-harvest losses.

Nyong’o encouraged the government to provide financial help to impacted farmers, including debt restructuring alternatives.

ODM stated that the government must act to preserve wheat producers from disaster.

“The plight of wheat farmers is a national crisis that requires immediate and decisive action,” Nyong’o  remarked yesterday.

“The government must move with urgency to protect Kenya’s food producers and secure the country’s  agricultural future.”