ODM leader Raila Odinga has promised to revive the sugar sector if he is elected president in the 2022 General Election.
Raila told residents of Mumias on Friday that he was aware of their suffering following the collapse of Mumias Sugar Company three years ago.
The company was put into receivership after accumulating huge debts. The collapse was blamed on poor management.
Raila who spoke in Musanda in Mumias West constituency defended the planned leasing of sugar factories, saying the move will boost their revival.
He said the sugar task force that was co-chaired by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri recommended leasing of key sugar companies for sustainability but cartels have blocked the process using courts.
"Cartels have continued to frustrate the process of reviving the sugar sector, the task force recommended leasing of the millers but some cartels have been using courts to block this process for personal aggrandizement," Raila said.
He was speaking during the burial of mama Dorcas Wamayi who was the mother of area MP Johnson Naicca.
Raila said he will seek to revive the economy, transform the education sector to ensure every Kenyan child gets quality education and improve the healthcare system if elected president.
He defended his social welfare package of giving poor households a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 saying it is attainable.
"I will seal all corruption loopholes and use the money to implement the social welfare programme. It will be the biggest social welfare in Africa," he said.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, his deputy Philip Kutima, Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority whip Junet Mohamed, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, Matayos lawmaker Godfrey Odanga and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda were present.
Oparanya said efforts to revive Mumias Sugar Company have continued to meet setbacks whenever investors show interest in the company.
He said cane farmers were suffering because of scrupulous millers who take advantage of the collapse of the giant Mumias Sugar Company.
"This government does not understand sugar matters well. We need to be serious in reviving the sugar sector," Oparanya said.
"It is not a secret now. The battle for State House is a two-horse race between Raila and Deputy President William Ruto. As a region, we should rally behind Raila because he understands our issues," the governor said.
Kutima said Raila was gaining support after he launched the Azimio la Umoja campaigns. He said the Luhya community should rally behind the former Prime Minister to form the next government.
Edited by P.O
