Francis Atwoli. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to lead by example and crack the whip on all corrupt officials in government.
Atwoli said corruption and cartels in government was to blame for the soaring food prices and high cost of living.
Cartels, he added have taken over the oil industry and the agriculture sector, making it difficult for ordinary Kenyans to cope with the rising cost of living.
He was speaking during a meeting with floriculture shop stewards at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.He said the cartels were colluding with high ranking government officials to increase fuel prices and hoard maize and sugar to create a shortage in order to bring in cheap imports.
This, he said had led to the collapse of leading sugar factories in the country and loss of jobs amid rising cost of basic commodities.
Kenya, he said has a lot of agricultural potential but due to corruption in government, farmers end up selling their produce to unscrupulous businessmen who have connections within government, leading to food shortage.
“We produced a lot of maize last season. Why didn’t the government purchase from farmers to store in our strategic reserves? All the maize was bought and sold outside. That is why we are suffering,” he said.
He asked the president to take charge and deal with the cartels and government officials to arrest the situation.
Atwoli further asked Kenyans to be on the watch out for leaders who have expressed interest in various political positions, and shun those mentioned in graft.
He challenged independent arms of government to exercise their constitutional mandate and ensure that any person mentioned in graft is not allowed to vie for any elective seat.
Atwoli called on trade unions to remain united and rally behind leaders who believe in social justice and development.
“I am a believer in social justice and we must support a leader who understands the political and economical dimensions of this country,” he said.