LIVESTOCK VACCINATION PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE AS PLANNED, PRESIDENT RUTO
Don’t worry, the cows and goats will continue farting
President William Ruto has once again defended the planned vaccination of animals across the country which has attracted criticism from a section of Kenyans.
Speaking at the Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County yesterday, dismissing claims that the vaccination could harm animals.
Ruto compared animal vaccination to human vaccination, saying it is a necessary measure to control diseases.
“Even human beings get vaccinated, there’s no one in Kenya who has not been vaccinated; all our children have been vaccinated, all of us are vaccinated. Now, surely, if it is not dangerous to vaccinate human beings, how is it dangerous to vaccinate animals,” he said.
Additionally, Ruto criticized those spreading misinformation about the campaign, particularly claims that the vaccination could stop cows from farting.
“And I’m wondering, they are saying ridiculous things; they are claiming that with this vaccination cows will not be able to fart, surely, is there anyone of us who has stopped farting because they have been vaccinated? What kind of nonsense are we engaged in?” he added.
Ruto emphasized that vaccination is a well-established practice for controlling diseases, adding that the drive is aimed at increasing productivity in livestock.
“Vaccination is about disease control, it is what we have been doing over the years. It is being done by our scientists using our knowledge and because we want to increase the fortunes and incomes of our farmers,” he stated.
In November 2024, Ruto announced a nationwide livestock vaccination program set to commence in January 2025, targeting 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep.
The nationwide livestock vaccination programme against diseases planned for January next year will go on as planned despite propaganda and fake news peddled by some leaders, President William Ruto has announced.
The President urged Kenyans to disregard propaganda peddled by detractors, saying vaccination was about disease control.
Speaking during the annual Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County on Tuesday, President Ruto said detractors opposed to the programme will not stop its implementation.
He said the government will proceed, noting that farmers deserve quality animals whose products are in demand globally.
“We are determined to carry out the vaccination programme for our livestock in an effort to increase prices for our livestock products and meet international market standards,” he said.
He explained that failure to vaccinate livestock has become an impediment to local meat products accessing markets in the region and abroad due to disease prevalence.
The President pointed out that local vaccines produced in Kenya will be used to boost animal health and meat export potential, saying those opposed should also give their alternatives.
“We are using vaccines produced locally by Kenyan scientists with knowledge in this field,” he said.
The President told leaders opposed to development to spare livestock and agriculture farmers of their theatrics and explore other avenues to play opposition politics.
“Leaders who have no understanding of the livestock sector and agriculture should spare us their ignorance. You can’t use disinformation and fake news to deny Kenyans international markets by discouraging vaccination of their animals,” President Ruto said.
He went on: “If it’s not dangerous to vaccinate humans, how can it be dangerous to vaccinate animals? Please give us a break.”
The President maintained that propaganda and fake news would not deter the government from implementing programmes that directly impact on the lives of Kenyans.
Similarly, the President said a special economic zone that will use green energy will be set up in the area, adding that plans are underway to start a university in the county.
He urged all Kenyans to register for the Social Health Authority, saying the insurance scheme will transform the health sector.
Prof Kindiki urged Kenyans to ignore the propaganda being peddled by some individuals about the impending nationwide livestock vaccination and support the exercise.
“Let’s ignore the propaganda about the vaccination and support the exercise for healthy animals whose quality products meet standards for the international market,” he said.
He pointed out that teamwork among leaders, security personnel and residents had led to peace being enjoyed along the Kerio Valley.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa cited clueless leadership as the greatest challenge facing Kenya. He said the impending nationwide livestock vaccination will greatly boost livestock business.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot wondered why individuals who have no knowledge of livestock keeping were opposed to the vaccination programme.
“It beats logic that someone who has no knowledge of livestock is opposed to the vaccination programme. It’s unbelievable,” he said.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and his Isiolo counterpart Abdi Guyo said they will lead their people in vaccinating their livestock.
“No one should lecture us on why we are vaccinating our livestock because this is an exercise we have been doing regularly. Even the goats we are selling today have been vaccinated,” said Governor Cheboi.
Cabinet Secretariesh Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) and Andrew Karanja (Agriculture), several MPs and MCAs, among other top government officials, were also present.
Adongo Ogony is a Human Rights Activist and a Writer who lives in Toronto, Canada
