Governor of Bomet Hillary Barchok has accused politicians of exploiting the present global tea crisis to win public sympathy.
Without mentioning any particular politicians, Barchok argued that it was improper for politicians to organize people to destroy the equipment of tea companies in the guise of pursuing their rights.
On Wednesday, Barchok told the media in a speech at the county administration building that there are more effective ways to handle their complaints. The violence that broke out on Monday in Brooke Town, Kericho, and resulted in the torching of tea plucking machines, Barchok stated, “We are condemning with the strongest terms possible.”
If not contained, the current tea crisis, according to Barchok, would spread to other industries.
“Investors who are willing to invest in the country will shy away citing insecurity and invasion of private properties,” he warned. “If this move is left unchecked.”
The governor urged the residents and officials of Bomet and Kericho counties to cooperate in search of a long-term resolution. In these situations, Barchok urged local leaders to take charge of the situation rather than dragging out President William Ruto, who has been working nonstop to find partners and investors to help rebuild our economy.
He asserted that although there are reasonable claims in the situation, there is also a solution. Even when our economy is struggling, Barchok argued that we shouldn’t take advantage of the situation by breaking the law. He defended his decision to remain mute on the subject by claiming that he had been handling it politely.
We have been defending the rights of the people as a county without making big noises, therefore it is regrettable that some leaders have been calling me a sell-out when that is not the case, he added. The county chief stated that resurveying the land controlled by multinational corporations is one of their priorities.
He continued by saying that it is obvious that better things are coming for locals because 15% of the proceeds from the sale of the firm between James Finlay and Brown corporation went to the Kipsigis community.