Azimio la Umoja leaders in Western have criticised the government’s move to privatise Nzoia Sugar Company.
The leaders said public participation to allow farmers and residents submit their views was not conducted.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka said the privatisation was a scheme to transfer ownership of the sugar mill to some individuals in government.
“What is currently happening to Nzoia is exactly what happened to Webuye Pan Paper. They lied that they will bring an investor to save it but was sold instead,” he said.
Kanduyi MP John Makali urged the government to fulfil its campaign pledges by paying farmers their dues.
Other firms set to be privatised include, South Nyanza Sugar Company, Muhoroni and Chemelil.
DAP- K deputy party leader and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi said Azimio will not allow the government to privatise Nzoia Sugar without input of farmers and residents.
“As a norm, the government should have conducted public participation before making the decision to privatise the mill,” he said.
Wamunyinyi said the privatisation move contradicts the Kenya Kwanza campaign promise of purchasing a new mill in 100 days after assuming office.
“I want to tell him [Ruto] today that we will not allow private entities to run the sugar mill,” he said.
Wamunyinyi said former President Uhuru Kenyatta had laid down reforms in the sugar sector that if followed, will make improvements.
The former MP said the reforms were proposed when Uhuru and former Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Peter Munya visited the factory.
He said the former President gave Sh500 million to recondition Nzoia Sugar and pay farmers their dues.
