“Mad and Possibly Stupid” – Ruto Slams Livestock Vaccination Critics
President William Ruto stirred diverse opinions on Tuesday, December 10, after taking a firm stance against critics of the upcoming national livestock vaccination campaign.
Speaking during the conclusion of the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit in Wajir County, Ruto expressed disbelief at the opposition to a program aimed at eradicating diseases among livestock. He described those against the initiative as irrational.
“Anybody opposing vaccination to eliminate FMD and PPR is simply mad, unreasonable, and possibly stupid. Honestly, how else can you explain,” the president remarked.
Ruto also took aim at certain leaders for spreading misinformation and opposing initiatives without valid reasons. “There is an evil spirit in Kenya that is resident in some leaders. They churn out falsehoods and oppose everything for the sake of opposing,” he added.
The vaccination campaign, scheduled for January 2025, aims to immunize 22 million cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and 50 million sheep and goats against Peste des petits ruminants (PPR).
Among the vocal critics is Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who has raised concerns about the program. In a statement on November 28, 2024, she claimed the campaign is influenced by foreign agendas and might have harmful outcomes.
“This is not our idea. This is a foreign idea being pushed to us with some clear intentions and deliverables. Listening to the president, it is clear that the idea is a ‘climate change’ move that is supposed to help us reduce the release of methane in the air,” Wamuchomba said.
She further alleged that the vaccination could involve introducing gene-modifying drugs into livestock, which she argued goes against Kenyan traditions. “We have had these animals for centuries. We have valued these animals as part of our heritage,” she emphasized.
Defending the initiative, Agriculture CS Andrew Karanja highlighted the importance of safeguarding Kenya’s livestock industry for economic growth and job creation. Speaking on December 4, 2024, Karanja explained that the program would enhance disease control and promote meat trade.
“We need to trade the animals for meat and, in order to do so, we need to create a disease-free country. That is the reason we are advocating for vaccination of our animals,” he said.
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“Mad and Possibly Stupid” – Ruto Slams Livestock Vaccination Critics
