The Mountain Journal
Hell broke loose at the troubled Kangunu Farmers Cooperative Society in Mathioya, Murang’a when farmers were lobbed with teargas canisters after the meeting turned chaotic.
Unaware of the happening, the farmers as they awaited the presence of senior administrators and Murang’a director of the cooperative were shocked that the meeting they were awaiting was in progress.
In 35 minutes the meeting was concluded and those present and transported in 10 vehicles started leaving the venue, and upon demand to know who they were hell broke loose.
In the incident, several farmers were injured as melee emerged as Mary Wambui Mwangi recounted how the farmers fighting for their rights suffered after they inhaled the teargas.
At the society, some of the farmers had been blacklisted for championing the farmers’ rights they demanded to know why they were forced to contribute towards an unknown outfit.
“I am old as hooligans were transported from Chui village,” said
Another farmer, Wangui Kimaru said it was shameful that the management committee has ignored the rights of the growers.
“ We have seen six persons controls kangunu society as the farmers are forced to contribute shares,” she said Wambui.
A farmer John Chege said it was pathetic that the society management ferried unknown people in ten public service vehicles to the factory at 5 am.
“ The people ferried occupied the seats meant for the farmers, who watched the scenario from outside,” said Chege.
After 35 minutes, Chege said the farmers were astonished after they heard clapping from inside the factory.
“ It was a shameful act by the police to protect the leaders and escorted the hooligans hired towards Gitugi,” said Chege.
The society officials could not respond to questions saying the meeting was successful.
