National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula./FILE
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has identified fraud and mismanagement as the greatest threats to the growth of cooperative societies in the country.
While calling on farmers to take control of their cooperative societies and remove corrupt officials, the speaker said the credibility of the societies lies on how they deal with those accused of mismanaging funds and exploiting members.
Speaking at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Sirisia Constituency, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula said farmers must not tolerate theft and fraud within their cooperatives, warning that such practices were weakening the agricultural sector.
“We must remove corrupt officials from our cooperative societies who have made it a habit of stealing from the sweat of our farmers,” said Wetang’ula.
“Allowing a few individuals to mismanage funds and swindle producers undermines the very foundation of the agricultural sector.”
He cited cases in Bungoma County, particularly in Mount Elgon and Kimilili, where coffee farmers continue to suffer losses due to mismanagement by cooperative officials.
Wetang’ula contrasted this with cooperatives in Central Kenya, which he said are better run and deliver higher returns to farmers.
“When President William Ruto assumed office in 2022, the price of coffee per kilo was just Sh50. Today, that price has risen to Sh160, partly because of improved support to the sector,” he said.
The Speaker attributed some of the gains to government initiatives such as the distribution of fast-maturing coffee seedlings and the promotion of research-backed farming techniques.
“Regardless of the size of your land, I encourage our people to plant coffee seedlings. In the near future, you and your families will reap significant benefits,” he said.
Wetang’ula also called for stricter governance in the cooperative sector, including regular audits, open membership meetings, and legal action against officials found guilty of embezzlement.
He warned that boards failing to act could face legal consequences and a collapse in public confidence.
His comments come amid growing concern over the integrity of cooperative societies and Saccos across the country, with a number of them facing allegations of financial mismanagement, asset misappropriation, and insider dealings.
“Cooperatives must remain farmer-owned and member-driven institutions. Farmers should not be afraid to speak out. Demand accountability and demand justice ,” Wetang’ula said.
He concluded by urging county agricultural officers and farmers’ associations to play a more active role in protecting members' interests and restoring faith in cooperative governance.
