The New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) has denied claims that it stole coffee from a coffee factory located in South Imenti constituency, Meru County.
Speaking at the New KPCU Meru depot during an inspection tour of the facility, Chairman Daniel Chemno said that the allegations are baseless and only meant to tarnish their name to farmers who sell coffee to them.
He called on police officers to investigate the theft and nab the culprits and advised coffee factories to secure their premises with armed police officers.
“We completely disassociate ourselves from allegations associating coffee theft in Meru. Let the security agencies investigate the issue and arrest the culprits. We are even wondering why the factory stored such a large consignment for a long time without police protection,” he said.
Chemno warned officials spreading the rumours, saying that New KPCU will not allow actions or utterances that do not auger well with the company to be spread for selfish gains and directed them to retract the statement and apologize.
“It is the duty of officials to protect the coffee on behalf of the farmers. That is why I always advise them to ensure they seek police protection when they have coffee in their premises,” he said.
The Chairman also appealed to farmers to sell them their coffee since they are the most transparent and charge the lowest for milling services. In addition, they do not charge storage fees.
The company’s Managing Director Tim Mirugi noted that the coffee reforms by the government are bearing fruits owing to improved production and prices.
“There is a remarkable upward trajectory in milling meaning production has gone up. The prices are also getting better meaning the coffee reforms are bearing fruits positively,” he said.
By John Majau
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