Coffee union wrangles spill to floor of House

Farmers have petitioned the government to have the commissioner of cooperatives, Mr Patrick Musyimi, probed, alleging that he is obstructing revival of the Kenya Planters’ Co-operative Union.

Through Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, farmers also want Mr Musyimi investigated over conflict of interest because he also sits on the board of Kenya Coffee Cooperative Exporters (KCCE), which competes with KPCU for business.

In papers tabled in the house on Thursday, farmers say the commissioner has acted in ways that portray him as scuttling revival of the once-giant farmers’ union, in spite of a government order to have the coffee firm back on its feet.

“Therefore, your humble petitioners pray that the National Assembly, through the departmental committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative investigates the conduct of the commissioner of cooperatives development, with the view to sanctioning, censuring and removing him from the position,” reads the petition.

SETTLEMENT OF DEBTS

Farmers accuse Mr Musyimi of not assisting KPCU in settlement of debts.

The petitioners also accuse him of failing to support the union in its compensation claims against CIC Insurance, despite him being a member of the board of the insurer.

They question his motive in convening illegal elections this year, which resulted in the return of officials who had been barred from contesting through a resolution of Parliament in August 2012.

The High Court, in November, restrained Mr Musyimi from interfering with the management of KPCU for three months.

The court issued conservatory orders after he called for fresh elections for directors at KPCU, days after those held on July 31 on his directive, were declared null and void.

KPCU was placed under receivership in October 2009 by Kenya Commercial Bank over a debt of Sh644 million.