Mambo ni matatu! Ruto declares war on miraa cartels, vows better returns for farmers

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to miraa cartels in producing counties, declaring that their days are numbered as he vowed to ensure farmers reap maximum benefits from the crop.

Ruto said the same way he has dismantled the cartels in the coffee industry and ensured farmers now earn higher prices from the crop, he will also deal ruthlessly with those in the miraa subsector.

“We have made a declaration here in Maua. All cartels ruining the miraa business should leave this country because we want this trade to thrive like other agricultural sectors,” he said.

“Tunawaambia mambo yao ni matatu. Either wakome ama mambo ya pili tuwapeleke jela ama waende ile safari.”

Ruto, who was speaking in Maua, Meru, outlined several government interventions aimed at boosting miraa farmers' earnings.

These include officially classifying miraa as a cash crop, setting new gazetted prices, and expanding export markets.

He noted that he has also held discussions with the presidents of Somaliland and Jubaland to secure foreign markets for miraa.

He said in the same manner, they are supporting farmers in the tea, coffee, and sugar cane industries to find new markets so that they can get good prices; they are also supporting those in miraa

“The same way we are helping tea, coffee, and sugarcane farmers find better markets, we are also supporting miraa farmers. That is why we have gazetted new prices,” he stated.

Ruto, who is on his second-day tour of Mt Kenya at the same time, reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining strong ties with the people of the region.

He said he will not allow anyone to break the relationship and friendship he has built with the people for several years now.

“The friendship I have made with the people of the mountain of over 20 years will continue, and I will allow anyone to break it,” said the Head of State.

He said he will ensure that all their interests are safeguarded just like those of other regions and that he is committed to fulfilling all the promises he made.

He was accompanied by his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, several Cabinet Secretaries and elected leaders.