Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Kelerwa Salasya (PK Salasya) called out politicians for lying to President William Ruto on the issues affecting Mumias Sugar Company.
Speaking at Kakamega State Lodge during the president’s tour to Western Kenya, Salasya accused politicians from the region of contributing to the fall of the Sugar Company.
“The problem facing Mumias is because of politics. These politicians love investors who give them money (bribe),” said Salasya amid cheers from the crowd.
Further, the youthful lawmaker accused Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa of misleading President Ruto regarding ways of reviving the former giant miller.
“When we met with the governor as MPs from Kakamega, we did not agree on the resolutions to be presented to the president, which is why I am here because my constituency hosts the factory.
The governor has lied to you. What he has told you will not help address the issues facing the company,” stated Salasya.
PK Salasya on Privatization
Additionally, the MP explained that the challenges facing the company stem from its privatization without public participation.
“For the first time in history you are getting true information about Mumias Sugar Company which many people do not understand,’ said Salasya.
Further, the MP stated that sugarcane farmers suffered injustices as brokers made a lot of money from selling their shares.
Also, he revealed that cartels are using old photos claiming that Mumias sugar in in operation, yet nothing is happening.
“There are specific people who want to use court cases to ensure that Mumias Company does not operate,” he said.
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Salasya also thanked the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for being passionate about the sugar bill that is currently in the third reading at the National Assembly.
“I am so much impressed with the report that was brought to the National Assembly detailing the issue of privation.
I am sure with his close relationship with the Senate Speaker, they will push this bill that has faces resistance in the national assembly,” he said.
In addition, the MP noted that there was hope for Nzoia Sugar and Muhoroni sugar Company after Ruto stopped privatization plans.
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Debts and Creditors
Additionally, Salasya asked President Ruto to write-off the debt Mumias owes the Commodity Fund.
“I am requesting you to write off the Ksh. 200 million the company owes the Commodity Fund, so that MOCO which has around 20 billion can be brought back to the farmers,” said Salasya.
“The previous investor frustrated our farmers; a tonne was going for around Ksh.3,500. After Mumias started operating a tonne now costs Ksh.5,000 which is paid within a week,” said.
Further, Salasya supported the decision by Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to stop sugar milling.
Salasya asked Ruto to ensure that the firm starts operating once the ban by AFA ends.
Ruto on Mumias
The remarks by Salasya came days after President Ruto warned investors crippling the sugar industry.
Speaking on August 28, President Ruto told the investors fighting for the control of the struggling Mumias sugar, to either leave the country, go to jail, or go to heaven.
“Let them withdraw the court case and move out. I have told there are only three options left, they either move out, go to jail, or embark on the journey to heaven,” President Ruto said.
Ruto’s sentiments came after businessman Jaswant Singh Singh, the owner of Kabras sugar and Rai Group was allegedly kidnapped.
