Peter Kenneth Resurfaces, Blasts Gov’t over Fertilizer Scandal, Doctors’ Strike

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth on Saturday, April 13 made a resounding return to the political arena after a two-year hiatus.

His reemergence is marked by a powerful speech delivered at a burial service within his former constituency of Gatanga. Kenneth’s address centred on a fervent call for the resignation of government officials embroiled in the distribution of counterfeit fertilizers, a grave issue that has plagued the agricultural sector. Furthermore, Kenneth voices profound concerns over the mishandling of the doctors’ strike which has left the nation’s healthcare system in disarray. He also decries the excessive taxation imposed by the national government, a policy that has disproportionately burdened the people of the Mt Kenya region where he hails from.

In the run-up to the 2022 elections, Kenneth had thrown his weight behind the Azimio coalition albeit unsuccessfully. In his remarks, he acknowledges the challenging times that the residents of the Mt Kenya region are enduring, attributing their plight to the government’s unfavourable policies. With a deep-rooted connection to the area’s agricultural heritage, Kenneth expresses profound dismay at the distribution of counterfeit fertilizers to coffee farmers, a practice that was once unheard of.

“It is disgraceful,” he laments, “that farmers are being given fake fertilizers and then taxed for products that cannot be used in production.” His words resonate with the struggles of subsistence and small-scale farmers who have fallen victim to this deception under President William Ruto’s administration. Kenneth’s call for accountability is unequivocal, urging those responsible for the counterfeit fertilizer scandal to step down from their positions. He also cites the embarrassment their actions have brought upon the government.

Transitioning to the matter of the striking medics, Kenneth reiterates the importance of providing essential services to the people. He expresses grave concern over the unfortunate reality in which Kenyans cannot access public hospitals or afford private healthcare. Kenneth advocates for a shift in focus toward achieving complete compliance rather than expanding the tax base. His words carry the weight of a seasoned political voice, echoing the sentiments of a populace yearning for effective governance and policies prioritizing their well-being.