William Ruto pledges to reduce unga, fertiliser prices next week

President-elect William Ruto speaks during an interdenominational church service at Maua Stadium, Meru County. [DPPS]

President-elect William Ruto has pledged to reform the agriculture industry once he is sworn into office on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Ruto's swearing-in ceremony will take place at Kasarani Stadium, with over 20 heads of State expected to attend the event.

During a thanksgiving service at Maua Stadium in Meru County, Ruto said that once sworn in, he will announce new prices for maize flour and fertilisers.

"I have spoken to the representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and I will announce new fertilizer prices. We start the journey of reforming the agriculture sector next week so as to change the cost of living in Kenya," said Ruto.

Ruto also promised to create a market for miraa, which is the main export from the Meru region.

He said he will crack the whip on cartels in the sector, arguing that they deny farmers the chance to make an honest living from their efforts and hard work.

He also revealed that a meeting is scheduled between him and Somalia's president which he said is aimed at addressing a number of issues, key among them is the market for miraa.

"On miraa, I have a meeting with Somalia president this week. He is supposed to come to see me. We will discuss your miraa market. Don't worry about that business, the cartels should not scare you. You have given me the cane, I will flog them," said Ruto.

"Once I put my Bible down on Tuesday, it will be against them. If there is anyone here who knows any of the cartels, warn them early enough. Give them notice, that I have said am coming for them," Ruto added.

In his address to Meru residents, the president-elect assured his supporters in the area that his government will accommodate his die-hard allies who lost in the August 9 polls.

"We agreed that if I win this presidency, Mithika Linturi will have a part in my government so that if I move, he can grab a seat. Don't worry, he is our hero and others who lost and will be absorbed in the government," said Ruto.