Keep off Kenya politics, CORD leaders now tell Museveni over sugar row

Leaders have reacted angrily to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni’s statement issued on Friday telling off those opposed to the controversial sugar deal.

CORD leaders said Museveni should not try to gag anyone opposed to the deal.

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba said, “We respect Uganda as a good neighbour. We will always cherish our Ugandan brothers and sisters. We support mutually beneficial Kenya-Uganda trade. What we will never allow is President Museveni to export dictatorship to Kenya. If indeed he is a sincere, let him start by renouncing his illegal annexation of Migingo Island.”

Nyatike MP Omondi Anyanga said Museveni should leave President Uhuru Kenyatta and CORD leader Raila Odinga to sort out issues facing Kenyans.

“Uganda has its own problems. He should know Raila and Uhuru may differ in opinion but will always agree at the end of it all for the benefit of Kenyans,” said Anyanga.

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale said, “We want to thank President Museveni for finally confirming what everyone in government has been denying for weeks that there was no deal signed. He has confirmed our fears. Kenyans, farmers and key stakeholders in the sector should ignore him and join us in calling for the cancellation of the deal. Uganda does not produce enough sugar to export.”

Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale. He has asked Kenyans, farmers and key stakeholders in the sector to ignore Museveni's remarks on the sugar deal and join him and other leaders in calling for the cancellation of the deal. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

On Friday, Museveni criticised CORD leader Raila Odinga for questioning the sugar deal, saying the former Prime Minister and his allies were against regional integration.

Lurambi MP Raphael Otaalo said Raila was right in his objection. “What Raila is saying is true and people should not take the remarks as political. It touches on the livelihoods of farmers who are fixed in a ‘poverty corner’. Museveni and Uhuru are influential and bright fellows who are capitalising on Comesa  rules to oppress the sugar industry. Let Museveni be sincere.”

Kasipul Kabondo MP Sylvanus Osele said had missed the point by criticising the CORD leader.

“We take his comments as those coming from fish in the lake which have no consequences at all,” Osele said, adding that Uhuru should make public the details of the sugar deal.

And yesterday, sugar politics took the centre stage as MPs castigated unnamed politicians for flooding western region with political visits.

Lugari MP Ayub Savula, Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Janet Nangabo (Trans Nzoia) and David Wekesa accused politicians from other regions of capitalising on tribulations of sugarcane farmers to gain mileage instead of focusing on real issues

“They say that we lack leadership. They claim we can easily be swayed but a time has come when they will be surprised because come 2017, the nation of Mulembe will work in unity and togetherness. We have started with MP caucus, we will involve all political, religious, and other leaders,” declared Wekesa.

The Jubilee brigade led Deputy President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale camped in Busia and Kakamega County last weekend as Raila travelled this week in Western in what looked like a battle for the “loose” western vote.

But speaking elsewhere, former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi defended the importation of sugar from Uganda, saying the country had trade treaties to the effect with other East Africa Community members states.