Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has called out Governor James Orengo, accusing him of promoting poverty in Siaya County.

The outspoken lawmaker was reacting to an event where the Siaya county boss presided over the distribution of 215 improved cattle breeds to farmers at Ragegni Primary School in North Uyoma on Saturday, February 18.

Governor Orengo had, in a post on X, disclosed that the donations were part of his agenda to empower local farmers and promote agriculture in the county.

“Agriculture remains the pillar for our economic, industrial and commercial transformation. I will ensure most of our resources go towards sectors and value chains that will change lives of people in the shortest time possible,” Orengo wrote.

However, Khalwale faulted Orengo’s initiative, suggesting that the county chief should instead support the farmers to rear dairy cows.

According to the legislator, the distribution of the cows only good for meat was ill-advised.

“My brother, sii kwa ubaya (no ill intended), but please stop promoting poverty. Support the farmers of Siaya to rear dairy cows,” Kwalale said.

Khalwale’s sentiments elicited mixed reactions online with a section of Kenyans disagreeing with him that the cows were not profitable.

“Indigenous Wagyu beef from Japan costs $600 per pound why not our indigenous cows from Siaya and other parts of the country Boni… You letting me down,” Ong’aro Conrad said.

Others sided with Khalwale, saying the cows could barely produce a litre of milk per day.

“Hii ni mchezo (This is a joke) 🤣🤣. The cows being issued by Orengo can’t even produce one litre of milk in a day,” another X user added.