Wednesday September 23, 2020
Leaders from Meru’s miraa growing areas have resolved to give the national government more time to resolve a trade impasse with Somalia after it emerged that Kenya was closing in on a deal.
This comes as calls for mass demonstrations against the government grew louder after the suspension of miraa trade in Somalia went past six months Saturday.
Scores of traders, farmers and elected leaders — who have been planning demonstrations to compel the government to resolve the trade deadlock — on Monday said they would meet again on Friday to chart the way forward.
The group has now summoned five MPs and 23 ward representatives from miraa growing zones to help come up with a final verdict.
Planned demonstrations
Among the legislators expected at the meeting are Senator Mithika Linturi, and MPs Maore Maoka (Igembe North), Kubai Iringo (Igembe Central), JohnPaul Mwirigi (Igembe South and Josephat Kabeabea (Tigania East).Three weeks ago, the leaders suspended planned
demonstrations after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya called
for patience arguing that President Uhuru Kenyatta was engaging his
Somalia counterpart Mohamed Farmaajo.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Governor
Kiraitu Murungi said President Kenyatta had assured him that he was
addressing the issue: “I believe that soon, we shall get good news,” Mr
Murungi said.