NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Mumias East, Kakamega county, May 27, 2017. [Photo/Courtesy]Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga has taken a swipe at the Jubilee government, after it introduced GOK branded subsidised maize flour.According to the Ministry of Agriculture, this was reached after consultations with Maize Millers, following an acute maize shortage, that led to high Unga prices.However, following complaints from some Kenyans that the subsidised Unga was yet to reach local shops in their areas, Raila said the government's aim was to steal from the citizens.He said the Unga had been transported to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto's home grounds, of Gatundu (Kiambu County) and Kagoit (Uasin Gishu County), respectively.Speaking in Marigat, Baringo County, Thursday, Raila asked locals in a rally, if they had received the Unga, only for them to say no."Have you received the Unga? Have you seen the Unga? Well, that Unga is only available in Kagoit and Gatundu," said the ODM party leader.His sentiments were echoed by Nasa co-principal Bomet governor Isaac Ruto, who said the subsidised Unga was yet to reach locals in interior regions.The government has been having tough times, explaining how and why it resulted to importing maize from Mexico, despite earlier assurance that the country had enough maize, and there would be no need of imports.On May 11, a ship landed at the Mombasa Port, carrying a consignment of 29,900 tonnes of imported Mexican maize, citing maize shortage and high maize flour prices.Unga traders have since called on the government to ensure the subsidised Unga is not only sold in supermarkets, but interior village shops as well.
A 1kg packet of the Unga goes for Sh47, while a 2kg packet retails atfor Sh90.