Yusuf Hassan
News July 29, 2025

Kick out officials stealing from farmers, Wetang’ula urges cooperative members

Kick out officials stealing from farmers, Wetang’ula urges cooperative members
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula speaking at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Sirisia where he called on farmers to kick out rogue cooperative officials stealing members’ hard-earned income. (Photo: X/HonWetangula)
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on farmers to reclaim control of their cooperative societies by removing corrupt officials, warning that fraud and mismanagement are sabotaging agricultural progress and denying farmers their rightful earnings.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula emphasised the need for integrity and accountability in cooperatives, noting that the survival and growth of these societies depend on eliminating dishonest leaders.

“We must remove corrupt officials from our cooperative societies who have made it a habit of stealing from the sweat of our farmers,” he said.
“Allowing a few individuals to mismanage funds and swindle producers undermines the very foundation of the agricultural sector.”

He raised concerns over persistent exploitation in coffee cooperatives, especially in Mount Elgon and Kimilili areas, where farmers continue to be shortchanged despite recent national reforms that have improved crop prices.

“In Bungoma, especially Mount Elgon and Kimilili, coffee farming sustains many families, yet corrupt officials keep robbing farmers of fair returns,” he said.
“It’s unacceptable for a chairman with a small plantation to earn the most while real farmers get peanuts.”

Efficiency and transparency

Wetang’ula contrasted the situation in Bungoma with cooperatives in Central Kenya, which he praised for their efficiency and transparency. He urged local societies to adopt similar management practices to benefit their members.

He highlighted recent gains in the coffee sector under President William Ruto’s administration, including a significant price increase from Sh50 per kilo in 2022 to Sh160, attributing the improvement to reforms and government support.

“Owing to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s reforms in the agricultural sector, coffee prices have risen from Sh50 to Sh160 per kilo,” Wetang’ula said.
“Farmers now get free seedlings that mature in 15 months. However, due to mismanagement, farmers are not receiving what is due to them, and this must end.”

He credited the government’s distribution of fast-maturing seedlings and the promotion of research-based farming as key to boosting productivity. Wetang’ula also encouraged small-scale farmers not to be discouraged by limited land.

“Regardless of the size of your land, I encourage our people to plant coffee seedlings. In the near future, you and your families will reap significant benefits,” he said.

Stronger oversight

To protect these gains, Wetang’ula called for stronger oversight in cooperative management. He proposed regular financial audits, transparent member meetings, and legal action against officials found guilty of embezzlement.

“Cooperatives must remain farmer-owned, transparent and accountable. Let’s not be silenced. Let’s demand justice and protect the sweat of every farmer who feeds this nation,” he said.

He warned that cooperative boards that fail to act against corruption risk losing public trust and could face legal consequences.

His remarks come amid growing scrutiny of cooperative societies and Saccos across the country over allegations of fraud, insider dealings, and misuse of members' assets.

“Cooperatives must remain farmer-owned and member-driven institutions. Farmers should not be afraid to speak out. Demand accountability and demand justice,” he said.

Wetang’ula also urged county agricultural officers and farmers’ associations to take a more active role in defending farmers’ rights and restoring faith in cooperative governance.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula Cooperative societies agricultural officers coffee farming

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