“Wawache Kunisumbua na Sufuria Kwa Kichwa,” Ruto Bows To Azimio Pressure, To Lower Unga Prices From Next Week

President William Ruto has said the prices of maize flour will start going down from next week.

Speaking in Mavoko Friday, April 14, the head of state said the consignment of imported maize will arrive in the country from Saturday, April 15.

President Ruto was addressing Mavoko residents in Machakos County after launching a water project.

Ruto launched the  Sh2.7 billion Mavoko Water Supply Project.

The project is in line with the commitment to the provision of universal clean and safe water.

The water project by Belgium and Kenyan governments is expected to supplement the current rationed water supply with 12,000 cubic metres per day supply.

He noted that his government was working around the clock to ensure that the cost of living comes down.

While making a reference to the nationwide protests called by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party, Ruto said walking with sufurias on the heads will not bring down the cost of Unga.

“Nyinyi watu wa Mavoko niwaulize…kutembea na sufuria kwa kichwa itashukisha bei ya unga? Tumeweka mipango kama serikali…na kuanzia mwisho wa hii wiki ambayo ni kesho..ile mahindi tumeagiza itaanza kufika na kuanzia next week mtaona bei ya Unga ikianza kuteremka..Hawa jamaa wawache kunisumbua na sufuria kwa kichwa,” he said.

The opposition leader Raila Odinga had on Thursday, April 13 announced that they will resume the protests after the Muslim faithful end Ramadan.

Ramadan is set to end on April 22, 2023.

Raila said the protests will go on even as the bipartisan dialogue between the government and the opposition continues in parliament.

The Raila-led coalition had earlier on cited lack of seriousness from the Kenya Kwanza ruling side in the said bipartisan talks.

President Ruto had urged Odinga to call off the protests and allow the two sides to face a bipartisan approach in the issues raised by the opposition.

Raila had indicated that bringing down the cost of living is one of their bare minimum.

He wants the IEBC servers opened, the IEBC selection reconstituted, former commissioners who resigned after the August 2022 election reinstated among other issues.