By John Kariuki
Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango has sharply criticised the withdrawal of the Farmers Party petition seeking to block the importation of duty-free rice, terming the move a betrayal of thousands of farmers who depend on the crop for their livelihood.
In a strongly worded statement, Senator Murango said the petition had served as the only legal safeguard against the entry of more than 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice into the local market—a move he warned would destabilise prices and expose farmers to exploitation.
“The withdrawal of this case now leaves our rice farmers completely vulnerable,” he said. “It opens the door for market manipulation and threatens the economic stability of families who rely on rice farming.”
The Senator questioned the intentions of Farmers Party leader Irungu Nyakera, accusing him of abandoning farmers at a critical moment. Murango noted that Nyakera declined to involve other stakeholders who had expressed readiness to defend the interests of rice farmers.
“It is deeply troubling that Mr Nyakera chose to play politics with the survival of our farmers,” Senator Murango said. “Why rally farmers behind a petition, refuse to be enjoined by willing parties, then withdraw it when protection is needed most?”
He added that the move appeared calculated for political mileage rather than farmer welfare.
“Let it be clear: this was never about safeguarding farmers. It was about scoring cheap political points at their expense,” he said.
Senator Murango reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that protect local producers and safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s agricultural markets.
The Mount Kenya Times 
Suleiman Mbatiah