Gachagua Ally Demands Parliament Action After Sudden Rice Case Withdrawal

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has raised serious concerns after a court petition that was blocking the importation of 500 tons of rice into Kenya was suddenly withdrawn. 

The move has shocked farmers across the country and sparked new debate about the future of local food production.

The lawmaker, known for strongly defending farmers in Central Kenya and across the nation, said the withdrawal leaves thousands of producers exposed to unfair competition. 

She warned that the country could soon face a wave of cheap imports that may destabilise Kenya’s rice market.

According to Maina, the petition had been the only legal shield protecting the local rice sector from market flooding. 

It had secured temporary orders from the High Court stopping the large rice shipment from entering the country. 

With the withdrawal, those protective orders automatically lapsed, opening the door for the imports to arrive within weeks.

Maina expressed disappointment that the Farmers Party, which had filed the petition and had even attracted support from other interested parties, suddenly stepped back without any clear explanation. 

She questioned whether the decision was influenced by hidden political or commercial interests that may not favour ordinary farmers.

In her statement, Maina said the withdrawal was not just a legal decision but a move that could change the economic reality of farming communities. 

She described it as a “deep betrayal” of hardworking Kenyans who depend on agriculture to feed their families and support local economies.

The MP noted that farmers are already facing challenges such as high input costs, unpredictable weather, and unfair competition from cheap imports. 

With the rice petition removed, she fears that the situation will worsen, pushing farmers into deeper financial stress and lowering the value of local rice in the market.

Maina has now asked Parliament to step in and investigate the matter. She wants a clear explanation about why the petition was withdrawn so abruptly, especially at a time when farmers were depending on the case to protect their investments.

She also urged agricultural associations, civil society groups, and community leaders to remain vigilant. 

According to her, Kenya cannot afford to make decisions that only benefit a few individuals while exposing thousands of farmers to economic harm.

Maina said the country must learn from past situations where cheap imports destroyed local industries. She reminded leaders that protecting local production is not just about economics but also about securing food independence and supporting rural communities whose livelihood relies on farming.

The legislator insisted that Kenya’s rice farmers deserve strong and consistent representation, not leaders who “wobble or withdraw under pressure.” 

She added that the withdrawal of the petition raises questions about who truly stands with farmers and who may be pursuing private gain.

Her message has sparked conversation online, with many Kenyans agreeing that the timing of the withdrawal was suspicious. 

Some have urged the government to strengthen policies that protect local farmers, while others want a full parliamentary probe to uncover what happened behind the scenes.