Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has expressed concern over Bidco Oil Refineries Ltd’s decision to engage in business dealings with Israel.
In a statement released on February 19th, the Kisumu County governor highlighted the global condemnation faced by Israel for its violent attacks on the Palestinian population.
“I have noted with concern, a decision by one of Kenya’s largest companies- Bidco Oil Refineries Ltd to do business deals with Israel, a country facing global condemnation for its bloody attacks on the Palestinians, ” the governor said.
Governor Nyong’o stressed on the gravity of the situation, referencing the heinous airstrikes in Israel, bordering on genocide.
The Governor further noted that the war has claimed the lives of 25,000 Palestinians, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick.
He also highlighted the thousands that have been injured in the war and 1.9 million people who have been displaced as a result of the conflict.
“The heinous airstrikes-bordering on genocide has killed 25,000 Palestinians, including women, children, the old, and the sick. Thousands have been injured while some 1.9 million others have been displaced, “
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Governor Nyong’o Plea to Bidco
Nyong’o noted that an Israeli Economic and Trade Mission was in Kenya last week to meet Bidco Group Chairman Vimal Shah to discuss collaboration with Israeli companies in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
Therefore, the governor in his statement called on the leadership of Bidco to restrain from collaborating with Israeli companies.
“We are calling our brother Vimal to restrain his company from taking this move in line with the decisions taken by the United Nations Organization and the International Court of Justice,”
Additionally, this is in light of decisions taken by international bodies such as the United Nations Organization and the International Court of Justice.
Governor Nyong’o emphasized the need for Bidco to align its actions with the global stance against Israel’s actions.
According to the lakeside city boss, a two-state approach remains the only viable solution to resolve the longstanding conflict between Israel and its neighbors.
“The two-state approach is the only viable way of solving the conflict between Israel and her neighbors,” he stated.
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About Bidco
Bidco Africa, was established in 1985 as a soap manufacturing plant in Nairobi and has evolved into East Africa’s leading manufacturer of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
The company boasts a diverse portfolio, encompassing edible oils and fats, hygiene and personal care, as well as food and beverage brands.
Over the years, Bidco has earned the trust of consumers across East Africa.
Just like Bidco, companies operating on a global scale often find themselves operating on the landscape of international relations.
As such, Bidco’s decision to engage with Israeli companies in the FMCG sector has sparked a broader conversation about corporate responsibility of business partnerships in conflict-ridden regions.
