Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Wycliffe Oparanya, has disbanded the management of Barichu Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County.
During a visit to the society in Karatina town yesterday where he met with thousands of farmers, Oparanya ordered the immediate removal of the management to allow for fresh elections.
The CS also instructed the Commissioner of Cooperatives to launch an inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of the society.
This action follows complaints from farmers about embezzlement of funds by the society’s leadership.
“Our President is committed to ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their produce. Consequently, I am directing the board of this society to step down immediately,” Oparanya announced.
READ ALSO:
SACCO members up from 6.42 m in 2022 to 6.84 m 2023, SASRA 2023 Supervision Report indicates
He appointed the Nyeri County Director for Cooperatives to oversee the cooperative’s operations until elections are held during the society’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday next week.
“We demand that those who have misappropriated funds belonging to farmers be arrested and prosecuted. We are instructing the DCI and EACC to investigate the mismanagement and take legal action against those responsible,” Oparanya stated.
Additionally, the CS revealed that the government will provide Ksh63 million to members of the cooperative society.
“The President has tasked me with ensuring that the New KPCU disburses Ksh63 million owed to farmers affiliated with this society and that the funds are paid directly to the farmers,” Oparanya added.
MPs Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), Maina Mathenge (Nyeri Town), and Senator Wahome Wamatinga were in attendance in the meeting held at Karindundu area.
The leaders welcomed the move by the government saying it will relief the concerned farmers suffering.
By Rodgers Wagura
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
