William Ruto Asks Gachagua To Oversee Agriculture Ministry Days After Linturi's Censure Motion

• President William Ruto tasked Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with a new role in the Ministry of Agriculture
• Rigathi will oversee the Ministry of Agriculture due to its vital importance and contribution to the Kenya Kwanza government
• Ruto's new directive comes a day after embattled Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi survived an impeachment

President William Ruto has asked Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua to oversee the troubled Ministry of Agriculture.

Speaking during a meeting with Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) at State House Nairobi on Thursday, May 16, Ruto noted even though there was a minister for Agriculture, the sector was so important that it needed Gachagua's support.

"The Ministry of Agriculture is an important sector in our country. That is why being in charge by the minister, I have asked my deputy also to have his eyes on the sector.

Why William asked Rigathi to oversee the ministry

According to Ruto, the sector contributes close to KSh 200 billion annually, farmers more than 600,050 across the country, and many Kenyans who get their source of livelihood from agriculture.

He further added that the ministry is crucial to the Kenya Kwanza government which has a fertiliser subsidy programme that provides fertiliser to farmers at an affordable rate.

"We have centred our focus on sectors that are directly affected by the Ministry of Agriculture. The sector brings about KSh 200 billion every year, it includes more than 600,050 farmers and benefits more than 4.5 million people. It is for this reason that I attach the importance of the sector, not only to the nation but also to this administration," he added.

Why was Linturi in trouble?

The embattled Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was linked to distribution of fake fertiliser to farmers in the country.

Linturi had earlier refuted claims of existence of fake fertiliser. According to him, the fertiliser was not fake, but short of the required standards in Kenya.

Why MP Wamboka wanted Linturi impeached

Bumula MP Jack Wamboka filed a motion to the National Assembly to impeach Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi over mismanagement of the ministry and gross violation of the constitution.

What to know about Linturi's case

• Over 100 MPs voted for the motion, after which an 11-member committee was formed to investigate the allegations made to the CS.
• However, Linturi survived the impeachment after the committee chair Naomi Waqo presented the finds on Monday, May 13.
• The committee findings said the three allegations against Linturi were unsubstantiated, and seven MPs led by the chair Waqo voted against his impeachment.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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President William Ruto addressing the KTDA officials at statehouse on Monday.

Coups et ratés: ce que le président William Ruto, son adjoint Rigathi

President William Ruto and deputy president Rigathi Gachagua leave