National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has launched a scathing attack on Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka over the latter’s questioning of the source of the bonus funds paid to sugarcane farmers in Mumias, Kakamega County.
Speaking at a consultative forum with grassroots leaders from Taita Taveta County on Thursday, January 23, 2025, Ichung’wah expressed surprise at Musyoka’s line of questioning, comparing him to Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya, who had raised similar concerns.
The Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) added that Kalonzo should not be on the same page as a parliamentarian with only two years of experience, suggesting that Salasya might not fully understand the principles of leasing and public-private partnerships in government.
“I was shocked because I heard the MP for Mumias East Salasya, who is a young man with only 2 years’ experience as an MP, asking where this money for sugar bonuses came from yet we (MPs) had not approved a budget? I explained to him as a young brother, it is true we have not passed a budget to pay bonuses because that’s not the government’s money, but funds disbursed by the sugar factory and the farmers,” said Ichung’wah.
The National Assembly Majority Leader at the same time argued that he expected better judgment from the Wiper Party Leader, given his past experience as a government minister and Vice President.
Ichung’wah Fingers Kalonzo
He further stated that Kalonzo stands no chance of competing with President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections if his reasoning mirrors that of Salasya, a first-time MP.
“I was shocked yesterday to see Kalonzo who has been in Parliament for over 30 years, unlike Salasya, joining Salasya’s league and asking similar questions to the young parliamentarian. I told myself if this is the person set to compete with President Ruto, will there be a competition? asked Ichung’wah.
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MP Ichung’wah also suggested that the remarks by the Wiper leader may have been prompted by his confusion over the success of President Ruto’s administration.
According to the lawmaker, Kalonzo appeared confounded and bewildered that the people of Western Kenya were receiving bonuses for their sugar production and sales.
“Last year the President told us that our opponents will be confounded by the success of this administration and when he said that our opponents will be confounded, many people thought he was just talking,” he said.
Kalonzo raises questions
Ichung’wah made the remarks after the former VP on Wednesday called on President Ruto to explain the source of the bonus funds given to sugarcane farmers in Mumias after the head of state oversaw the launch earlier this week.
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Kalonzo insinuated that the money came from the ex-chequer, adding that it must be accounted for.
“Mr. President this Ksh150 million, by the way too little, where you are getting this money from? It’s not in our budget. It is not that Peter Salasya doesn’t want his constituents to benefit but first of all acknowledges it’s like a handout, it’s like a bribe and if it is a bonus it needs to come through the processes these are the days of accountability,” he said.
The former VP also raised concerns about alleged planned irregularities in the voter registration process for the 2027 contest.
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