Rice farmers in Ahero Irrigation Scheme whose maize farms were submerged in water can sigh with relief after the scheme management announced to halt the operation.
Ombeyi ward representative Joshua Auko said the manager of the scheme had agreed to order for the water in the maize fields drained out.
He said the manager promised to suspend the irrigation officer and the management committee at the scheme to allow for investigations.
Speaking to the press in Kisumu on Thursday, Auko, who is also the minority leader at the Kisumu County Assembly, called upon farmers to remain calm as the matter is being sorted out.
Auko said the manager has promised to ensure funds that were meant for farmers in the revolving fund will be investigated.
“I want farmers to remain calm as the manager is on top of the happenings at the scheme,” he said.
He said as the ward representative he will not desert his people but will stand by them to ensure they get justice and funds meant to uplift their livelihood are prudently used.
The farmers had protested at the decision by the management to release water into the maize fields.
The farmers said they had an agreement with the scheme to delay rice farming up to August this year and allowed them to plant maize instead.