Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru petitions National Government of Mwea rice

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has petitioned the National Government to stop killing local rice farmers.

In a lengthy statement on her X handle, the outspoken Governor of Kirinyaga has lamented how Mwea rice farmers have been left counting losses after the government imported duty free rice from abroad.

"Yet, even as locally grown rice remains in stores awaiting uptake, the recent decision to import duty-free basmati rice has flooded the market, pushing prices down just as farmers prepare for a bumper harvest.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru during a past event. Photo: Courtesy

"This threatens their livelihoods and years of progress," Waiguru wrote on X on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Likewise, Governor Waiguru went on to remind the government that rice growing in Mwea sustains several households, and threatening the sector means that all those who depend on it will have to become beggars in one way or another.

"I once again urge the National Government to prioritise the uptake of Mwea rice as a matter of urgency and protect our farmers by supporting local production.

President William Ruto during a past rally. Photo: Courtesy

"Safeguarding this sector means securing thousands of households that depend on rice farming and advancing Kenya’s goal of true food security and agricultural self-reliance," Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru wrote on X.

That notwithstanding, the message by Anne Waiguru to the national government comes just weeks after she found herself on the receiving end, from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Rigathi Gachagua on the same.

DCP Leader Rigthi Gachagua attends a church service. Photo: Courtesy

Addressing a charged crowd, the fearless Gachagua attacked Waiguru, saying, "Mimi nakuuliza wewe Mumbi, tangu Kasongo alete mchele kutoka Pakistan, ndiyo watu wa Mwea waumie, ulikosa hata akina mama 300 wakuje kwa barabara wapige kelele Kasongo aone aibu."