Democratic Action Party Kenya DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa has led Western leaders in opposing the privatization of the Nzoia sugar company.
Speaking in Bungoma county on Monday, January 22, the former CS said, Azimio la Umoja, went to court to stop the process of privatization. According to Wamalwa, the process lacks clarity, sincerity and oversight of the national assembly.
Court order stops Ruto’s privatisation plan
“We have opposed the privatization of the Nzoia sugar company, without parliamentary oversight. As Azimio, we went to court with our leader Hon. Raila Odinga to stop the process of privatization. This is a plan to take and buy Nzoia sugar, by those who want the privatization of government parastatals,” former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa said.
Supporting the sentiments of his party leader, former Legislator for Kanduyi Wafula Wamunyiyi said the government’s promises to revive the sugar factory and end the miseries of sugarcane farmers are yet to come to realization. The promises include new machines for the factory, paying off farmers, as well as clearing the factory’s arrears.
“When they were promising to buy new machines, to clear arrears, as well as pay farmers, none of the promises have been achieved. Yet they are now talking about selling Nzoia sugar,” former MP Wamunyiyi added.
Additionally, New recruit to DAP-K, and Bungoma seasonal political leader Zacharia Barasa, dismissed the plan.
What Western Kenya leaders said
According to Barasa, Nzoia sugar is the only surviving pride of Bungoma. The vocal political activist added that they will not allow any leasing of the company at all costs as a region.
“Nzoia is the only remaining factory operating in Bungoma county. We take pride as a people in Nzoia. Hearing them saying that they want to lease for 50 years. I want to tell those who are planning and want to lease Nzoia sugar company, that it will never happen under our watch, at all cost,” political activist Zacharia Barasa strongly stated.
Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale publicly in 2023, disagreed with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the same matter.
The senator noted that it is only a little resource for the region. Further, the senator added that people will lose their ancestral land.
“We cannot accept, this is not out of disrespect from the president or the government that is the little we have,” he stated.
Notably, the contention over sugar factories in the Western Region is not a new topic. In December last year, a delegation of Western leaders from Kakamega county meeting with the president, made declarations of reviving the sugar sector, top of the list including reviving of Mumias Sugar Company.
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