OTHAYA MP WAMBUI HAND SEEN IN NYERI COFFEE WARS

A major split has erupted in Nyeri coffee industry with word that local MPs are pushing to have farmers control the marketing to counter governor Nderitu Gachagua monopoly plot through his allies.

In Othaya constituency, where the local MP is Mary Wambui, a rebellion among farmers is on. They have been marketing their products through Othaya Farmers Cooperative Society.

The current management of Othaya cooperative is said to be sympathetic to Gachagua. Gachagua and Wambui are sworn political enemies. Already, six out of 18 coffee societies in Othaya subcounty want to split on grounds that the current co-operative is poorly managed and has lost millions of shillings in dubious deals.

Already, in Karima ward where Wambui enjoys support, the farmers are planning to form their own society. Weekly Citizen came across a lineup of interim officials of the society with the name Karima Coffee Co-operative Society.

That Wambui hand is secret in the matter is well manifested with the appearance of one Julius Mitii in the championing of formation of the new Sacco.

Mitii is a member of Kiruga Coffee Factory and happens to be the vice-chairman of Othaya Constituency Development Fund committee. Mitii is pushing for the formation of Karima Farmers Co-operative society.

It is imperative to note that the 18 factories have been milling and doing their sells to foreign buyers since 2010. However, Othaya society, we have information, through its chairman Newton Nderitu,  has been planning to join the governor-led joint milling and marketing deal which has not gone down  well with a section of politicians.

Othaya farmers management has defended themselves against mismanagement and poor payment.

Karima farmers earned Sh38 per kilo compared to Sh32 last year. Also set to split is Gatugi factory which was paid Sh2.8 million compared to Sh9.6 million last year.