Leaders slam Wetangula and Ruto over Nzoia sugar lease

A section of Western Kenya leaders have accused the Speaker of National Assembly Moses Wetangula and some local Members of Parliament MPs of failure to protect the interests of sugar cane farmers in the region.

Led by Hospital ward Member of County Assembly Eric Wafula Mwangale, the leaders blamed Wetangula and some MPs for the continued suffering of sugarcane farmers in the region.

Addressing journalists in Kitale, the leaders faulted Wetangula and some MPs for supporting the 30-year lease of Nzoia sugar company to businessman Jaswat Rai.

"The speakers and some MPs have taken sugarcane for a ride.They are not protecting the interest of the farmers who are suffering because of the woes affecting the sugarcane sector," said Mwangale

Mwangale questioned why Rai was awarded the operation lease of Nzoia sugar when President William Ruto vowed to ensure the businessman is punished for alleged dirty deals in the sector.

The leaders challenged President Ruto to come clean over the Nzoia sugar lease deal, saying the president had initially promised that a new machine was to be secured for the resumption of the company's operations.

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"When the president toured the region, he promised to deal with cartels in the sugar industry. He specifically singled our Rai and promised to deal with him, but we are surprised that the same person the president wanted deported or jailed has taken over the management of the company," posed Mwangale.

Mwangale criticized some local MPs, led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa for being unable to champion the welfare of sugarcane farmers.

"Some of the MPs have failed to fight for the welfare of the farmers. They have sided with the government, giving the farmers a raw deal," said Mwangale.

They said sugarcane farming is one of the major activities in the region, but the industry has been ignored to pave for cheap imports.

Wetangula supports the lease, arguing it is a measure aimed at reviving the mill for the benefit of suffering farmers.

Wetangula claimed that those opposed to the leasing of the factory did not have farmers’ interests at heart.

“I urge farmers who relied on the sugar mill for their livelihood to ignore critics who were opposed to plans and reminded them that the leaders in Nyanza region have rallied behind plans to lease Sony, Miwani, Muhoroni and Chemilil sugar mills,” said Wetangula in Bungoma County last week.

He said that in the leasing deal, they have agreed that the new investor should pay all farmers and staff dues, install a new crushing machine and set aside six percent of farmers’ due for their bonus.

“The bonus programmes started by the president for the farmers should be implemented by the new investor for the good of the farmer,” he added.

He encouraged farmers to venture into coffee farming to benefit from increased prices of the cash crop from Sh50 per kilogramme to Sh114.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka is also supporting the leasing of the Nzoia Sugar factory, noting that it was the only way to get the factory out of the financial woes.

“Leasing of the factory is a good idea that should be supported by farmers who are attached to the mill,” said the governor.