Ruto: Those Opposed To The Vaccination Of Cows Are Stupid And Possessed By Evil Spirits

President William Ruto has told off leaders opposed to the nationwide livestock vaccination programme against diseases planned for January next year.

The President said vaccination with locally produced vaccines will boost animal health and meat export potential.

He explained that this programme, which targets 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep, is aimed at combating trans-boundary diseases such as foot-and- mouth disease.

President Ruto expressed concern over some leaders, who he accused of opposing development initiatives “just for the sake of it”.

The President wondered why they were opposed to vaccination of livestock against diseases, saying such have stalled the immense potential in the livestock sub-sector.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit in Wajir County on Tuesday, President Ruto urged leaders and residents from the ASAL and pastoralist regions to support the initiative.

“Those opposing the programme are unreasonable and possibly stupid and maybe they don’t have cattle. When we have a conversation about livestock, just shut up if you don’t have cattle,” he said.

The Head of State said he did not understand how anybody would be opposed to the plan.

“Honestly, how else can you explain? You don’t know about livestock, shut up, at least for those of us who keep cattle. There is an evil spirit in Kenyans, they oppose everything by spreading lies,” added the President.

The opposition, led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has faulted the programme, terming it a foreign agenda pushing Kenya into what will permanently alter the genetic structure of the local breeds.

“We reject these experiments in total. Let everyone know that we will resist them to the very end. We ask our fellow Kenyans to join us in opposing the proposed vaccinations, which clearly hurt our animals and endanger our people,” said Kalonzo.

He said the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) produces vaccines for livestock, which are safe for cattle, sheep and goats in the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the vaccines we are using are produced by Kenyans. We have a large production of vaccines in Kenya, some of which we supply to other countries,” President Ruto explained.

The President pointed out that Kenya’s meat products are unable to access some global markets because of the prevalence of disease, saying this has necessitated the national vaccination exercise.