The Mountain Journal
A relief at the troubled Kangunu coffee cooperative society in Mathioya after the farmers elected a new management committee.
Last week, the farmers elected a five man management committee chaired by John Chege after the former committee led by Geoffrey Macharia failed to offer themselves in the much awaited election.
The five were elected unanimously after the former committee failed to show up in the election presided over by Murang’a County Director of Cooperatives Mr John Nderu.
Macharia’s committee was sent packing after the farmers passed a vote of no confidence early last month.
Yesterday, Chege said the new management committee was ready to work for the interest of the farmers through accountability and transparency.
“ The team will work for the interest of the people after the 20 coffee farmers who were expelled for challenging the policies that were employed by the ousted committee,” said Chege.
In an interview, Chege said the Ministry of Cooperatives was conducting an inquiry into the operations of the Kangunu Cooperative Society after farmers said the policies were employed without their knowledge.
“ The farmers were not aware who was milling and marketing their coffee as the former committee operated under total secrets,” said Chege.
The former management committee was accused of embarking on illegal deduction of their coffee proceeds at 4.7 percent, a move that was protested by the majority of farmers.
Oparanya barred the former management committee from vying for any position at the society, a decision that was overturned by Murang’a High Court allowing them to vie on October 18, after the date was changed from October 11.
Trouble at the society started in September after the farmers clashed with police after they escorted strangers who attended their meeting under invitation by the management where scores were injured.
