President William Ruto has sent a warning shot to Miraa cartels accused of exploiting farmers in Meru County, promising to unlock the crop’s full potential.

Speaking in Maua, Meru, on Thursday during his five-day tour of Mount Kenya, Ruto vowed action against the cartels.

“To those who have formed Miraa cartels, you have three options: either stop what you’re doing, face imprisonment, or we take a different path,” said Ruto.

He also made a bold declaration, saying: “The Mau Declaration states that all cartels hindering Miraa business must leave the country.”

Ruto further stated his commitment to improving the Miraa industry by prioritising farmers’ welfare.

“Through our efforts to expand and secure better markets, we will unlock the crop’s potential and create wealth for more farmers,” he added.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed Ruto’s remarks, highlighting the long-standing exploitation of Miraa farmers by cartels: “There are people who for years have benefited from Miraa farmers’ sweat because they have formed cartels”.

On the second day of the Mt Kenya tour, Ruto launched the Maua Sewage Line, which will benefit over 13,000 people in the area.

 He also laid the foundation stone for the Maua modern market and addressed local traders.