Bei ya Unga ni 180? Ruto quotes wrong price of Unga
President William Ruto appears not to know the exact price of maize flour, the commodity that produces Kenya’s most consumed food.
Speaking in Nairobi at the launch of the Nairobi River Commission, on February 23, 2023, the Head of State suggested a 2 kg packet of maize flour, which is commonly referred to as Unga, was retailing at 180.
He mentioned the swipe even as he took a swipe at Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Odinga has annouced he will organise mass action within two weeks if President William Ruto’s government doesnt lower the cost of living.
But President Ruto said: “You people (Raila and former president Uhuru Kenyatta) had five years in government with the handshake. During that period the price of Unga shot to 220. Now we’ve brought it down to 180. Give us time and we shall bring it down to 140 and 120. They should stop ordering us around because they had their time and failed to utilise it,”
However, a spot check by Nairobi News in major supermarkets indicated the precious commodity was retailing between Sh190 and Sh200.
To be exact, Jogoo, the cheapest brand, was selling at Sh189, while Mama and Soko brands were going for Sh194 and Sh198 respectively.
What’s factual from the President’s speech though, is that the price of Unga has reduced from Sh210 in the past three months.
The cost of food and living in Kenya has sky rocketed in recent months, occasioned by inflation caused by drought and external factors.
Former president Kenyatta had imposed subsidies on maize flour so as to cushion Kenyans President but Ruto, upon assuming office, removed them, claiming the strategy was not sustainable as it cost the taxpayer millions of shillngs.
President Ruto has in the past promised he needed only 100 days to bring down the price of Unga.
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