Anti-riot police blocked and hurled teargas at the motorcade of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as he attempted to access the Nzoia Sugar Company in Bukembe, Bungoma County.
The heavily armed police officers blocked roads leading to the company to stop entry by Natembeya and several other politicians who were with the governor.
Governor Natembeya was accompanied by DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Zachariah Barasa, and a battery of Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
The leaders had converged to protest the controversial leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company to businessman Jaswant Rai.
They had also gone to demand the immediate payment of salary arrears owed to the company’s workers.
The confrontation with police sparked tension, raising concerns about the state’s intolerance to legitimate public demands and leaders’ oversight efforts.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, with calls for transparency, accountability, and justice for the farmers and workers who depend on Nzoia Sugar for their livelihoods being made.
Natembeya claimed that the leasing was done without public participation, and hence it was illegal.
“We will do everything possible to ensure we stop that illegal leasing,” Natembeya said.
He said they would use all means possible, including courts, to stop the leasing.
Cs for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe announced the leasing plan for all state-owned sugar millers, saying the move would help revive their operations.
Wamalwa said such a drastic action required proper consultation with residents of the region and sugarcane farmers.
The leaders want the leasing plan cancelled immediately.
“Such a move required proper consultation with residents of the region and sugarcane farmers. We will not allow it to go on,” Natembeya said.
The leaders want the company workers to be paid all their dues after the leasing plan is cancelled.
They have vowed to mobilise residents to reject the leasing plan
