National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has allayed reports that Nzoia Sugar factory has been earmarked for sale.
According to Wetang’ula, Members of Parliament have approved Ksh1.7 billion through a Supplementary Budget, which he says will go a long way in supporting revival plans for the ailing sugar sector in the country.
While dismissing allegations that there are plans to sell the struggling Nzoia sugar factory, Wetang’ula said Ksh.300 million – being part of the Sh1.7 billion – will be disbursed to the Bungoma-based 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,” said Wetang’ula.
Out of the Ksh300 million, Speaker Wetang’ula explained that Ksh.250 million will be used to settle debts owed to farmers and the remaining Ksh.50 million will go towards paying pending employees’ salaries.
The Speaker was addressing mourners at a funeral in Kabuchai Constituency.
He took issue with area MP Majimbo Kalasinga, who he accused of “being used by his political detractors to spread propaganda about the miller with the intention of undermining him.”
We met President Ruto
“Go slow on Nzoia sugar matters. You (Kalasinga) 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,” Wetang’ula told the MP.
He accused former Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi of “using the miller’s woes to revive their dead political careers.”
Gazette notice
However, his sentiments come days after the Ministry of Agriculture published a gazette notice of its intent to lease five State-owned sugar millers.
Among them are Nzoia Sugar Company, South Nyanza Sugar Company, Muhoroni and Chemelil Sugar Companies.
The notice elicited bitter reactions, with Wamunyinyi vowing to mount a spirited resistance against the government’s move.
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