Why Locals Are Against Nzoia Sugar Takeover By Jaswant Rai

Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya (DAP-K) supporters in Bungoma County have vowed to block a new investor from taking over Nzoia Sugar Company on Thursday, claiming the takeover violates court orders that prohibit leasing the sugar miller.

Led by Zacharia Baraza, a gubernatorial hopeful, the supporters said they will not allow business tycoon Jaswant Rai to take control of the factory until the relevant case is heard and determined.

“The leasing Nzoia disregards a valid court order barring the process and undermines the rule of law,” Baraza said.

At a press briefing in Bungoma town, DAP-K supporters urged the government to respect court orders and prioritise the livelihoods of those who depend on the sugar miller.

“We have served the court orders to all security agencies, and we shall not allow anyone to take over the factory until the case is determined,” Baraza declared.

He added that the party had mobilised its supporters to stand in solidarity with the Nzoia Sugar community.

Two weeks ago, the High Court halted the leasing of Nzoia Sugar until May 25, when the case will be mentioned.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and others had petitioned the court to stop the tendering process for leasing the county’s only factory.

Baraza said party supporters will be stationed at the Nzoia Sugar gates on Thursday to prevent the factory from being handed over to an investor.

Court orders

“If the government has failed to honour the court orders, then it will be upon us to stop the new investor from entering the factory premises,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Nzoia Sugar board has assured farmers that the government will clear their outstanding payments before the new investor takes over the miller.

Board chair Alfred Khang’ati said the Sh275 million owed to farmers will be settled within two weeks.

“I want to assure our farmers that the money the company owes them will be cleared soon as the new investor takes over,” he said.

Salary arrears owed to company workers will also be paid before June, he added.

“We don’t want a situation where an investor takes over while workers have not been paid,” he said.

“The government has assured us that staff will receive their 23 months of salary arrears before June.”