Moi hits out at leaders over maize

By Vincent Bartoo and Anderson Ojwang

Former President Moi says some leaders in Government were not doing enough to assist farmers.

Former President Moi (centre) during the burial of Joshua Cheseremi, father of former minister Nicholas Biwott (second right), at Kitany in Keiyo South on Thursday. They are with from left: MPs Gidion Ndambuki, Jackson Kiptanui, Margaret Kamar and Agriculture Minister William Ruto. Right is Mrs Hannie Biwott . [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Moi criticised what he termed mishandling of the food situation, saying farmers continued to suffer, even as the Government allowed a few people to import maize duty-free.

"Instead of talking to farmers and those who consume their produce, you meet millers who know nothing about farming. You give subsidies to people out there instead of taking care of your own. This is absurd," he said.

Speaking to mourners during the burial of the father of former Keiyo South MP Nicholas Biwott in Keiyo yesterday, Moi accused Rift Valley politicians of dividing residents on tribal lines.

"You will sink the country if you go this direction. You (leaders) should have the future of this country at heart," he said.

"The reason I disagree with some of the leaders is because of their tribal politics," he said.

Others at the burial were Agriculture Minister William Ruto and his Internal Security colleague George Saitoti, Kanu Vice-Chairman Gideon Moi and the Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.

Referring to the maize scandal, Ruto said: "My hands are clean."

Saitoti, who read President Kibaki’s condolence, supported Moi’s call for unity.

"Moi has been going round the province preaching peace. We need to actively join him," he said.