- Tensions rose in Bungoma County as leaders protested the lease of Nzoia Sugar Factory to businessman Jaswant Rai.
- Protestors and local farmers accused the government of an illegal takeover and demanded full payments before Rai assumes control.
- Leaders decried the lease as a betrayal and a sale disguised as rent, calling for its suspension pending wider public consultation.
Politicians who were at the forefront of the protest were the Governor of Trans-Nzoia, George Natembeya, the former UDA party secretary-general Cleophas Malala and the DAP-Kenya Leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Protesters attempted to enter the Nzoia Sugar Factory but ended up in mayhem with heavily armed riot police. The situation intensified when officers used tear gas and fired warning shots, causing the crowd to disperse.
The demonstrations brought the Webuye-Malava highway to a standstill. Hundreds of sugarcane farmers and residents from across the region voiced their opposition to what they termed as an illegal and forceful takeover of a critical economic asset. Eugene Wamalwa declared,
This is defiance of a court order. We are here to say, Rai, if you have disregarded the law, you are persona non grata—do not set foot in Nzoia Sugar.
According to Maishatv, the Governor of Trans-Nzoia, George Natembeya, argues that the government should consult the people on such matters and made the following remarks,
I found a leader who said that there is a difference between renting and selling. Renting a property for over 30 years is simply selling. If you are 70 years old and you rent your property for 30 years, where will you get additional 30 years to live, yet you are 70. This must get to the government for we will not allow it to sell the citizens’ property.
The lease has ignited fears over job losses and loss of local control. One of the protestors gave their remarks concerning the lease saying,
We have one prayer only. Farmers and workers should get their full payment before Rai gets Nzoia. We will not allow Rai to take over Nzoia before the people get their money.
Additionally, the leaders emphasised that Rai’s acquisition of Nzoia Sugar Company Limited symbolised a deeper disregard for the region’s economic interests. Malala called the transaction “a betrayal,” criticising the reported lease amount.
Wrapping Up
Despite assurances from the government, residents remain sceptical and have vowed to continue pushing for answers. A joint committee of Parliament is expected to summon Ministry officials next week to clarify the terms of the lease. Meanwhile, local leaders are calling for the suspension of the agreement until an inclusive stakeholder forum is held.
