Bungoma Governor Kenneth Makelo Lusaka has backed former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi on the purppoted attempt to sell Nzoia Sugar Company.
Lusaka appeared to side with Mr. Wamunyinyi while distancing himself from any deals that could see Nzoia Sugar Company privatized.
Mr. Wamunyinyi, who is also the Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic Party of Kenya (DAP) had opposed any move to privatise the miller, saying the attempt is ill-motivated to hurt sugar farmers across Bungoma County.
DAP-K leaders oppose privatisation of Nzoia Sugar Company https://t.co/ILptarffnQ pic.twitter.com/1NCL7RJMHe
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 21, 2024
Speaking a week ago, Wamunyinyi stated that the government should honour its pledge to revive the miller instead of selling it to a private investor.
But on Saturday while addressing the mourners in Muyayi village during funeral funeral service of the late Mr Andrew Wataka, a teacher at Kibabii Boys High School, Governor Lusaka raised his voice on the matter, saying that consultation must be staged with the members of the community before arriving at any decision involving the ailing miller.
“Any decision regarding Nzoia Sugar Company must involve public participation from the residents of Bungoma,” Lusaka said,
Lusaka reassured the residents that Nzoia Sugar Company will not be sold.
“As leaders, our primary responsibility is to ensure timely payments for both farmers and workers.”
Lusaka noted that the factory is situated on a substantial piece of public land, generously donated by the local community for expansion.
Additionally, he added that some residents were resettled to facilitate the development, emphasizing the necessity of their inclusion in decision-making processes.
Wamunyinyi will be remembered for sponsoring the famous Sugar Bill which is now in the Senate.