Small holder tea sector farmers affiliated to Ogembo Tea factory, have condemned abortive storming of factories by former directors and expressed confidence with the current ones.
Protesting at Tendere the farmers whose sector consists of over 10million members supported the current crop of directors elected into office under the government’s reforms in the industry.
This comes as the Tea Act 2020 raised pertinent issues including establishment of the Tea Board of Kenya whose determination was pending in court.
Zachary Anyona, a farmer,accused the former directors of leaving behind debts and petitioned the national government to support the farmers.
Another farmer,Thomas Ongechi claimed their monthly tea proceeds and bonuses used to delay under the watch of the former directors ,a situation he said had since been rectified.
Joyce Okioma petitioned president William Ruto to ensure the tea sub sector was not disrupted again and that the farmers earned the fruits of their labour.
She commended the sitting directors for ushering in improvements such increment of tea price from Ksh. 5 to 19 per kilogram and creating employment opportunities.
Following the development,the Tea Board of Kenya issued a statement urging the former directors to stop interfering with the new directors and wait for court judgment.
According to the board,farmers should continue tending their green leaf and ensure the factories were secure amid on-going efforts to transform the tea business into a profitable venture.