Nzoia lease: Police block Natembeya demos
The government has leased Nzoia Sugar factory for 30 years.
3d agoBY MATHEWS NDANYINews
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang has criticised Governor George Natembeya for leading protests against the newly announced leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company to the Rai Group.
Nzoia Sugar Company is based in Bungoma County.
Senator Chesang urged Natembeya to instead prioritise issues within Trans Nzoia, particularly healthcare.
“Before leading protests in Bungoma, Governor Natembeya should first fix the health crisis in Trans Nzoia. Our people deserve functioning hospitals, not political drama,” Chesang said.
He questioned why the governor was only looking at the leasing aspect and not the fact that farmers will be able to sell their sugarcane to the factories once operational.
Chesang further questioned whether he was truly defending the people.
“Before leading protests in Bungoma, Governor Natembeya should first fix the health crisis in Trans Nzoia. Our people deserve functioning hospitals, not political drama. Why is Governor Natembeya protesting Rai’s involvement in leasing Nzoia Sugar, yet he’s silent when the same Rai group buys sugarcane from Trans Nzoia farmers? Is it really about defending the people, or is it just about political showmanship?” Trans Nzoia senator posed.
Chesang’s remarks followed a move by Natembeya to hold a protest under the guise of finding the truth about the said privatisation.
He described leasing as a menace to the region’s economy.
“We must get to the bottom of this for the sake of our people. The Nzoia Sugar Company is a critical economic pillar for Western Kenya, supporting over 45,000 farmers and providing livelihoods for millions directly and indirectly,” Natembeya wrote on X.
“I perceive the privatisation or leasing of this institution as a menace to the region's economy, particularly given its pivotal role in supporting sugarcane farmers and local communities."
An attempt to visit the Nzoia Sugar Company, flanked by protesting residents, was thwarted by police, who intervened.
“The Journey to Nzoia Sugar Company to find the truth was disrupted by police officers who threw tear gas canisters at us and the protestors who had accompanied us to the factory. The smell of tear gas is necessary in the quest for freedom,” the governor stated.
