Rift farmers support choice of Budget chief

By Osinde Obare

The nomination of Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Managing Director William Kirwa as Controller of Budget has been defended.

Stakeholders in the Agriculture sector in North Rift differed with Cherangani MP Joshua Kuttuny for opposing the nomination of Kirwa.

The stakeholders lauded President Kibaki’s choice, arguing he was the right man for the job.

Farmers led by Pius Mzee Kauka dismissed claims by Kuttuny that Kirwa‘s nomination was a wrong choice, arguing the ADC chief is credited for revamping the Corporation.

"It is absolutely misleading for Kuttuny to claim Kirwa is a wrong choice for the post when his performance at the helm of ADC speaks volumes. This is the man who strived to make ADC functional after years of collapse," charged Kauka.

Personal vendetta

They alleged the MP’s attack against Kirwa was a personal vendetta and urged Kibaki to ignore the MP.

Speaking in Kitale, the farmers praised the ADC chief, saying he is a committed civil servant who has helped to change the face of ADC.

Meanwhile, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli has challenged MPs in ODM and PNU to push the two principals to agree on the controversial nominations.