President Ruto defends his leadership against critics and unveils new support for dairy farmers in Meru. Gachagua responds with sharp criticism.

Published:

June 21, 2025 at 8:51:52 PM

Modified:

June 21, 2025 at 8:51:52 PM

MERU, KENYA – June 22, 2025, XTRAfrica News

President William Ruto has said he will not be distracted or shaken by political attacks, even as opposition voices grow louder, including from his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking at the 10th Annual Meru Dairy Farmers Field Day, Ruto said he remains focused on delivering key promises to Kenyans, especially in agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation.

“I’ve been in politics for too long to be scared by noise. I won’t waste time with street drama. Let them chant all they want, I’m doing the job Kenyans gave me,” Ruto said.

A Subtle Message to Gachagua

Even as Ruto spoke in Meru, his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua was just a few kilometers away in Maua, criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration for failing to fulfill its promises.

While Ruto didn’t mention him directly, he praised his current deputy, Kithure Kindiki, saying he finally has a deputy who “understands his job.”

“This time I have a real assistant. Not someone obsessed with empty politics,” Ruto added in a subtle jab.

Prof. Kindiki also responded with a bold message of his own:

“Kenya needs leaders with real solutions. Not noise-makers or self-serving opportunists. The public is smarter now, and won’t fall for cheap propaganda.”

Focus on Farmers: New Promises for the Dairy Sector

President Ruto used the Meru event to unveil major policy changes meant to support dairy farmers and cut production costs:

Sexed semen prices cut from Sh5,000 to Sh1,000 starting July 1
Another Sh100 million allocated for a new animal feed factory in Meru
Import of yellow maize for feeds to be tax-free
60 milk coolers to be distributed in Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, and Tharaka Nithi
Nationwide animal vaccine drive starting next week

“We want to put more money into farmers’ pockets by cutting the cost of animal feeds, which takes up 60% of milk production expenses,” Ruto said.

Impact in Numbers

Dairy farmers now earn Sh59 billion annually, up from Sh40 billion in 2022
Meru Dairy Union collects over 615,000 liters of milk daily from 70,000 farmers
Monthly payouts to farmers reach Sh1 billion

Despite rising tensions inside Kenya Kwanza and political pressure from Mt Kenya leaders, President Ruto insists he’s not backing down. With new investments in agriculture and a firm grip on power, the 2027 race may already be taking shape.