Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi has announced that he is going to release a list of shame with names of top government officials who have defaulted on government loans.
While speaking before the senate, Linturi said that many Senators, Governors, Members of Parliament and Members of the Executive had taken huge loans from the MSMEs Agricultural Credit – AFC.
However, despite constant follow ups, they had failed to repay the loans meant to help maize farmers across the country to access affordable credit.
“For some time, people have thought that AFC is a place to pick money and go without paying. Politicians and senior government officials have taken money from AFC and they do not pay.
“Please take note that very soon I am going to release the list of shame for people who are sitting in the Senate, national Assembly and executive, who are governors who have taken money and are not paying yet they are properly endowed. Let this be a notice because I will release the list of people who are not paying, ” he said.
Also Read: Why Linturi Flew to China After Ouster Scare
Politicians Using AFC Loans to Build Apartments
The CS also revealed that some of the government officials were taking the loans and instead of using it for agricultural ventures, they used the money to build high rise buildings.
According to Linturi, there were also Members of Parliament and Senators who took loans from the fund without the proper security. However, when questioned, they reached out to friends in high places to ensure their protection.
Linturi assured the Senate that he would deal with the matter as required by the law to ensure full accountability.
“The role of the AFC is to finance agricultural projects. We do not have money for you to go and build flats. And once we get to know about it, we will deal with the matter within the full force of law. I know because we have started these investigations, there are people out there saying that they are being targeted.
“A number of loans have been taken without proper security and when we are about to get the culprits, they look for people to protect them. We will not allow it. I will make sure that things are done the right way,” he added.
President William Ruto had earlier directed the State Department to allocate Ksh3 billion to the MSMEs Agricultural Credit – AFC to ensure maize farmers access affordable credit to jump start productivity. However, the ministry only allocated Ksh1.5 billion to the fund.
Also Read: Naomi Waqo: Former Anglican Church Leader Who Saved Linturi
Linturi Survives Impeachment
The CS had recently survived impeachment over mismanagement of funds in the fertilizer scandal that made headlines in the country.
The National Assembly Special Committee probing the impeachment motion presented by Bumula Constituency Member of Parliament Wanami Wamboka.
According to the Parliamentary Committee, Linturi was not guilty of the accusations, acquitting him of all the charges brought against him.
However, Wamboka vowed to pursue his quest for justice outside Parliament in efforts to safeguard Kenya’s food security.
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