Plans to lease miller threaten to divide Western leadership

The government’s proposal to lease the Nzoia Sugar Company to a private investor for at least 30 years is now threatening to divide Ford Kenya MPs in Bungoma.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over the weekend took issue with Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, who he accused of being used by his political detractors to spread propaganda about the mill.

And concurring with Wetang’ula, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka assured residents the company will not be sold without public participation.

Lusaka made the remarks while addressing mourners at the funeral of Andrew Wataka, a former teacher at Kibabii Boys High School, in Muyayi village, Kanduyi constituency.

“I want to warn those political opportunists who are hoping that the company will be sold under our watch so they can gain cheap political capital,” Lusaka said.

He emphasised the local leadership has held talks with the President and expressed their views on how to revive the miller. Their primary concern, he said, is ensuring farmers receive timely payments for their sugarcane deliveries and workers paid.

Lusaka said arrangements have been made to pay both workers and farmers within the next few days. He, however, rejected suggestions the county government takes over the company, stating that “governments are not good at doing business.”

He said the factory sits on a large parcel of public land donated by the community for expansion, and some residents were even resettled to make way for the development hence the need for their involvement.

Kalasinga, a Ford Kenya MP, has been on the forefront opposing plans to lease the ailing miller, claiming the government wants out to sell it. “The government wants to sell the only industry in the area in name of leasing. We are not going to accept it,” Majimbo said.

However, in a rejoinder, Wetang’ula, the Ford Kenya party leader, said Majimb’os actions were out to undermine him.

“Go slow on Nzoia Sugar matters. You were among the MPs who accompanied me when we met President Ruto over Nzoia sugar woes and the Head of State was clear that the factory will not be sold. Please tell the farmers the truth,” Wetang’ula told Kalasinga.

New machine

Wetang’ula was speaking during the funeral service of Antony Maloba at Mukhweya village in Kabuchai constituency.

Others opposed to the leasing include Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, who have demanded that President William Ruto avails the new machine as he had promised during his campaigns.

“He promised us a new milling machine in 100 days when he assumes office, but now he wants to sell the same factory he promised to revive,” wondered Wamboka.

Wetang’ula has vehemently dismissed leasing claims, saying Sh1.7 billion had been approved by MPs through a Supplementary Budget that will go a long way in supporting revival plans for the ailing sugar sector in the country.

Speaker said the allocation will boost the ambitious programme that was being spearheaded by President Ruto to breathe life back into the struggling sugar sector.

While dismissing allegations, Wetang’ula said Sh300 million - being part of the Sh1.7 billion - will be disbursed to the miller.

“Leaders preaching propaganda that Nzoia is set for sale are prophets of doom. In two weeks’, time Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will visit the factory to deliver the money. This will shame the rumour mongers,” Wetang’ula said.

Out of the Sh300 million, Wetang’ula explained that Sh250 million will be used to settle debts owed to farmers and the remaining Sh50 million will go towards paying pending salaries.

He also lashed at former Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi of using the miller’s woes to revive their dead political careers.

“I want to tell Wamalwa and Wamunyinyi their campaigns to use Nzoia Sugar Company to resurrect their political careers are doomed to fail. Nzoia is not a resurrection garden,” Wetang’ula noted.