President William Ruto has strongly defended the national livestock vaccination campaign, dismissing claims from critics who suggest there are hidden motives behind the initiative.
Speaking at the Annual Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County on Tuesday, the President emphasized how important the vaccination campaign is for the health and productivity of Kenya’s livestock. Drawing on his background in Botany and Zoology, Ruto explained that the program aims to control diseases in animals, which will ultimately help increase the country’s ability to export leather and other livestock products internationally.
“We want to export leather products to global markets, but the high rate of disease among our livestock is a major hurdle. That’s why this vaccination campaign is so important,” Ruto said.
Since launching on November 8, 2024, the vaccination campaign has faced some backlash, with opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka suggesting that it could be part of a plan by foreign organizations to introduce genetic modifications to reduce methane emissions from animals. However, Ruto has firmly rejected these allegations, calling them “ridiculous” and unfounded.
“Some leaders are saying ridiculous things. Has anyone been unable to fart because they’ve been vaccinated? Please spare us your ignorance,” Ruto fired back, making it clear that the campaign has no hidden agenda.
The President also stressed that the main goal of the vaccination drive is to improve the health of livestock, which will lead to better farm productivity, higher incomes for farmers, and a stronger economy for the country.
“Those who are criticizing this campaign want to keep Kenyans in poverty and suffering. Healthy livestock mean productive farms and better livelihoods for farmers,” he added, urging leaders to support the initiative rather than spread fear and misinformation.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi also weighed in on the ongoing criticism, pointing out that vaccinations have always been beneficial, both for humans and animals.
“Vaccination didn’t start yesterday. If it’s good for humans, it’s also good for our animals. If it weren’t for the law, we would have already confronted those who are opposing this for the greater good,” Sudi said, showing strong support for the vaccination campaign.
In the face of these ongoing debates, President Ruto remains firm in his belief that the vaccination campaign is a positive step toward improving the health of the country’s livestock and boosting the farming sector.