House puts Ruto on the spot over maize sale

Agriculture Minister William Ruto addresses a past press conference. Photo/HEZRON NJOROGE

What you need to know:

  • House was debating a ministerial statement from the Ministry of Agriculture.

  • There has been concern over how Kenya's national cereals reserves were managed, even as famine bit across the country.

  • Debate to conclude on Thursday.

Agriculture Minister William Ruto was on Wednesday on the spot over his role in the controversial sale of maize from the national reserves at a time when Kenyans were faced with famine.

In addition, a firm linked with the First family and unnamed MPs were accused of impropriety in the sale of maize.

The heated debate dominated Parliament’s afternoon proceedings with MPs Bonny Khalwale (New Ford Kenya, Ikolomani) and Ababu Namwamba (ODM, Budalangi) tabled documents which they said linked prominent personalities to the affair. The names cannot be published because the Deputy Speaker, Mr Farah Maalim, who was on the chair, ruled that the documents not be admitted into record until he rules on their authenticity on Thursday.

The House was debating a ministerial statement from Mr Ruto on details of the scandal.

Dr Khalwale led the onslaught on the Agriculture minister while Mr Namwamba introduced the name of a firm which he said was linked to a member of President Kibaki's family.

The Ikolomani MP also sought to know why Mr Ruto had only sacked junior officers at the State agency responsible for the cereals reserves - the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) - while leaving the managing director, marketing manager and other senior officials in place.

He wondered if the minister was not involved in the scandal, saying that one of the firms involved in arranging the transactions was Africa Merchant Assurance Company (Amaco), where the Agriculture minister held shares. Mr Ruto confirmed that he was part-owner of Amaco but said if its management had engaged in illegal activities then they should be made to face the law.

“Can this minister clear the air that he is not involved in this clever syndicate with a multiplicity of other players?” Dr Khalwale asked.

Southern Sudan

In reply, Mr Ruto said that contrary to allegations made by Mr Khalwale that maize had been sold to South Sudan, he had upon receiving a formal request from the Government of South Sudan to purchase Kenyan maize responded that no maize was available for export.

“I gazetted a ban on maize exports from all ports.

“This showed my commitment to ensure no maize shall leave the country when Kenyans are suffering," said Mr Ruto.

He said that maize was not contraband but a commodity traded freely across the country.

“It is not a crime for Kenyans to buy maize from NCPB. The crime occurs when bought maize is not paid.”

He also said that writing a note saying “please assist” does not amount to criminality.

Rising on a point of order, Budalang’i MP Namwamba said while the House must not be seen to condone corruption, use of speculation, posturing and rumour milling "for cameras" would lower the dignity of Parliament. The proceedings are usually broadcast live on national television.

The Budalang'i MP said he had a conducted search at the Registrar of Societies and wanted to table documents on the directors of companies involved in the maize affair.