A section of Kenya Tea Development Agency farmers (KTDA) in Embu county has threatened to sue the former managers over alleged misuse of funds during their tenure.
The former directors who are accused were ousted last year through a special Annual General Meeting (AGM) following reforms instituted by the government.
The government then ordered for a forensic and system audit of all KTDA affiliated factories to stamp out exploitation of famers in a bid to improve efficiency.
According to a forensic audit by the government, the ex-directors purchased parcels of lands in Mbeere for tree plantations for the provision of firewood a decade ago without consultations and above prevailing market value.
Area KTDA Board Member Enos Njeru speaking during a presser two weeks ago noted that forensic audit on the land buying project showed that the ex-managers bought an acre for Sh. 500, 000 against prevailing price of Sh. 100, 0000.
“The parcels bought between 2009 and 2010 by Mungania Factory in Rwika and Ngigeri areas for instance, have been of no benefit to farmers as nothing grows there owing to dry climate in the area classified as semi-arid,” Njeru said.
He said 10 years down the line, the trees are under five feet tall while the value of land there has not reached that which it was bought for by the former directors.
The farmers have faulted the acquisition, saying it was unlawful since they were not consulted and the move could have been driven by ulterior motives by the ex-directors to make a killing out of their sweat.
“No meeting was held with farmers prior to the move and we construe that as a ploy to defraud us which should be punished by law,” said farmer Bernard Kinyua from Kathangariri Factory.
The farmers also called on the ex-directors to make a point of attending the upcoming AGMs of their respective factories to explain to farmers what they did during their tenure and why they still feel they are bona fide leaders.