Nzoia Sugar company won't be sold - Lusaka

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka on Saturday assured residents that Nzoia Sugar company will not be sold without public participation.

Speaking during a funeral ceremony in Kanduyi, Lusaka warned 'political opportunists' against spreading rumours of the sale of the sugar miller.

“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,” said the governor.

Their primary concern, Lusaka said is ensuring that farmers receive timely payments for their sugarcane deliveries, besides payment of workers on time, adding that arrangements have been made to pay both workers and farmers within the next few days.

He, however firmly rejected suggestions that the county government takes over the company, stating that “governments are not good at doing business.”

Kanduyi MP John Makali echoed Lusaka’s sentiments, and criticised leaders who lost the last election for spreading propaganda and falsehoods.

On Friday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula reffered to those claiming that Nzoia Sugar factory is up for sale as prophets of doom.

He said the government will soon release Sh300 million to the sugar miller to sort out some of the outstanding issues, including paying staff and farmers.

"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," added Wetang'ula.

"Go slow on Nzoia sugar matters. You Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai MP) were among 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," he urged.

He 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."

The former Bungoma Senator noted that he was happy that the sugar mill was on the recovery path, as it was crushing cane among other production activities.