Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has publicly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his recent statements regarding the coffee sector, following Gachagua’s impeachment.
Speaking on Saturday, Wamumbi responded to Gachagua’s suggestion that lawmakers from Mt Kenya should prioritize the Coffee Bill with the same urgency they exhibited during his impeachment.
Wamumbi, who has openly condemned Gachagua despite their past friendship, accused the former DP of allegedly planning to misappropriate funds meant for coffee farmers, which has hindered necessary reforms in the industry.
“The reason we cannot pass the coffee bill with the speed you want is we must first deal with all the plans you had to steal coffee farmers’ money,” Wamumbi stated.
He further alleged that certain companies were taking advantage of farmers in the region, an issue Gachagua was reportedly aware of despite his advocacy for farmers’ rights. “The company buying all Nyeri coffee, you know about it,” he added.
Wamumbi also claimed that the closure of Mathira Coffee Millers was part of Gachagua’s strategy to control the coffee trade, revealing instances of financial manipulation where Ksh3 per kilo from farmers was allegedly diverted to private individuals.
In his earlier remarks, Gachagua had urged current leaders to expedite the passage of the Coffee Bill and the Cooperative Bill 2023, while also stressing the importance of continuing the fight against illicit brew in the region.
