The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kericho County has reaffirmed its commitment to the broad-based Government, saying the political cooperation between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is intended to accelerate development, strengthen national unity and improve the livelihoods of Kenyans through inclusive governance.
Speaking during the funeral service of renowned dairy farmer Ann Chebochok at Kericho Golf Club, ODM Kericho County Chairperson Ann Chepkwony said the collaboration between the country’s two leaders provides an opportunity for leaders from different political formations to work together in addressing key national priorities, including agriculture, healthcare, education and economic empowerment.
She said the partnership should be viewed as a development-focused initiative rather than a political arrangement driven by individual interests, noting that cooperation among leaders is essential in delivering services and implementing programmes that directly benefit wananchi.
“The broad-based Government is not about politics alone. It is about bringing leaders together to support sectors that sustain our people, especially agriculture. Farmers like the late Ann Chebochok are the foundation of our economy and deserve policies that guarantee better milk prices, affordable farm inputs, access to markets and modern farming technologies,” Chepkwony said.
She urged leaders across the political divide to embrace dialogue and unity in advancing policies that promote economic growth and improve the welfare of ordinary citizens.
Chepkwony made the remarks as mourners gathered to celebrate the life of the late Chebochok, an accomplished dairy farmer widely recognised as one of Kericho County’s leading agricultural entrepreneurs.
The deceased was praised for transforming dairy farming into a successful commercial enterprise through modern production methods, mentorship of fellow farmers and dedication to improving livestock productivity.
Family members, friends, farmers and leaders described Chebochok as a hardworking entrepreneur whose commitment to agriculture inspired many farmers in Kericho and neighbouring counties to embrace improved dairy farming practices.
Chepkwony said the late farmer embodied the resilience, determination and innovation that government programmes seek to promote through increased investment in agriculture.
According to her, Chebochok’s achievements demonstrated the enormous potential of agriculture to create wealth, generate employment opportunities and strengthen household food security when farmers receive adequate policy support, quality inputs and access to modern technologies.
She observed that the broad-based Government has created an environment in which leaders can jointly champion programmes aimed at increasing agricultural production, strengthening livestock value chains and promoting value addition.
Chepkwony called for sustained investment in irrigation, agricultural extension services, disease control programmes, artificial insemination, improved livestock breeds, affordable animal feeds and agro-processing industries to enable farmers to increase productivity and earn higher incomes.
“When leaders choose dialogue instead of division, the biggest beneficiaries are ordinary Kenyans. We want to see more resources directed towards agriculture because that is where millions of families earn their livelihoods. The late Ann Chebochok proved that with commitment, innovation and the right support, farming can transform lives,” she said.
She noted that the dairy sector remains one of Kenya’s most important agricultural subsectors, contributing significantly to the national economy while supporting the livelihoods of more than two million households.
Chepkwony said Kericho County, whose economy is largely driven by tea and dairy farming, stands to benefit from policies that improve milk marketing systems, expand cold storage infrastructure, promote value addition, strengthen cooperative societies and lower production costs for farmers.
She further appealed to leaders to place the interests of wananchi ahead of partisan politics and continue working together in implementing programmes that improve the welfare of farming communities.
According to Chepkwony, creating an enabling environment for commercial agriculture would be the most fitting tribute to the late Chebochok, whose success story demonstrated the transformative power of farming.
“The legacy Ann Chebochok leaves behind reminds us that agriculture remains the surest pathway to economic empowerment. As leaders, our responsibility is to support policies that enable more farmers to succeed just as she did. That is why ODM remains committed to working with the Broad-Based Government in initiatives that uplift the lives of Kenyans,” she said.
The funeral service brought together leaders from across the political divide in a display of bipartisan cooperation.
Among those present were Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok, Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Namibia Florence Bore, Kericho County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai, Bomet County Assembly Speaker Cosmas Korir, former Bomet Governor and Judicial Service Commission Vice Chairperson Isaac Ruto, religious leaders, professionals, farmers and hundreds of mourners from Kericho and neighbouring counties.
Speakers described the late Chebochok as an outstanding dairy farmer, mentor, philanthropist and community leader whose commitment to agriculture transformed lives and inspired many people to invest in commercial dairy farming.
They said her legacy would continue encouraging farmers across Kericho County and beyond to embrace innovation, resilience and modern farming practices while demonstrating that agriculture remains one of the most reliable pathways to wealth creation, food security, rural development and sustainable economic growth.
by Gilbert Mutai
