Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the government to refrain from forcing the controversial livestock vaccination program on Kenyans.
He expressed concern that some government officials have resorted to insulting those opposed to the vaccination campaign.
Gachagua emphasized that the government should adopt a more diplomatic approach, focusing on educating the public about the benefits of the program rather than using insults.
“It’s unnecessary to insult Kenyans who oppose the vaccination program.
The government should engage them calmly, explaining why the vaccination is important for their livestock. After all, it is their property,” Gachagua said.
Speaking during a burial in Mbooni on Wednesday, Gachagua urged the government to prioritize persuasion.
“Talk to livestock farmers respectfully and explain the benefits of vaccination. If they refuse, it is their right because those are their animals,” he added.
He also called for an end to what he described as arrogance from government officials and urged them to approach Kenyans with respect, ensuring that those who oppose the campaign are not mistreated.
The government plans to vaccinate 22 million cattle nationwide as part of an initiative to combat livestock diseases.
President William Ruto has argued that the vaccination will improve Kenya’s competitiveness in the global animal products market.
Despite opposition from some Kenyans who feel uninformed about the program, President Ruto reiterated that the vaccination effort aims to help farmers benefit from international opportunities by reducing disease prevalence to meet global standards.
Gachagua’s comments come amid resistance from some farmers who claim they have not been adequately educated about the vaccination plan.
The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) has also called for the suspension of the vaccination until public consultations can take place.
The government has announced that the vaccination campaign will begin in January, but some farmers have expressed their intent to defy the directive.
KVA National Chairman Kelvin Osore has voiced concerns about the lack of consultation in the development of the program, demanding transparency regarding the diseases to be targeted, the reasoning behind the vaccination, and the sponsors of the initiative.
In a statement on Tuesday, Osore said, “We were not consulted in the development of this program, and only recently has the government come to us after it sparked public controversy.
Kenyans need more time to be sensitized on this issue.”
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