Two Cord MPs have accused a powerful Jubilee politician of being behind a scheme to illegally acquire two publicly owned sugar companies.
Although they did not reveal the identity of the politician, Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o and Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo now want the courts to stop the planned transfer for 60 days until the matter is resolved, saying it is illegal.
They argue that the planned sale of South Nyanza Sugar Company, Nzoia, Muhoroni, Chemelil and Miwani companies did not follow the law as the Privatisation Commission that advertised for the transfer of the assets is not properly constituted.
“We all know that the mandate of the commission that was chaired by Henry Obwocha expired on September 19, 2015. As far as I know, no names have been brought to the National Assembly for approval of the new commission,” Midiwo said yesterday, adding that the said politician is targetting the Nzoia and Chemelil sugar companies.
Interestingly, according to Midiwo, the advert for the expression of interest was placed in the local dailies during the Easter holidays, when the newspaper circulations were low.
“Who has given them the authority to transfer the assets when there is no commission? This scheme was executed to limit the information to a few individuals and lock out the majority of Kenyans,” he said.
Midiwo also noted that the law requires the commission to consult county governments for any asset transfer of this kind because it is a devolved function. This did not happen, he said.
The MP said farmers and residents from the sugar belt were never involved.
“They are using the provincial administration to acquire what they want. Already plans for the transfer of Sony that has over 25,000 acres of land have been finalised. It is clear that some people are not interested in upgrading or modernising the facility, but to grab the land,” Midiwo said.