Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence on the Kenya Kwanza’s much anticipated livestock vaccination program.
While speaking in Mbooni Makueni county, Rigathi stated that Kenyans should not be forced to vaccinate their livestocks. According to him, those who want to vaccinate should go ahead while those that are uncomfortable with the vaccination should be allowed the latitude to decline since they have the freedom of choice.
He also urged the government to employ proper communication and to explain to Kenyans why they need to vaccinate their animals instead of bulldozing their way and forcing the public.
The sentiments by the former deputy president came a day after The Kenya Veterinary Association called on the government to suspend the planned vaccination of livestock to allow public participation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, KVA National Chairman Kelvin Osore said that concerns raised by the government on controlling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are not a priority. He maintained that Kenyans should be given adequate time to be sensitised on the matter.
“There was no stakeholders’ engagement. We were not involved after the programme received controversy from the public. We were not involved in the conception and along the way. The government just rushed to us recently,” Osore said.
“This situation not only hampers disease control but also risks creating further outbreaks. Stakeholders, including farmers, veterinary professionals, and community leaders, were not sufficiently involved in planning, leading to mistrust and confusion, including in professional circles.” Continued osore.
