Rowdy youths attack Governor Ojaamong at Busibwabo, Matayos constituency

BUSIA, KENYA: Rowdy youths attacked Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong's entourage at Busibwabo, Matayos constituency injuring two members of his staff.

Drama started when one of the civilian security personnel attached to the governor slapped a farmer who was yearning to get the governor's attention over the current court order barring the construction of Busia Sugar Industry which is currently at the 80 percent mark of completion.

The angry mob accused the governor of failing to address the matter as expected and that instead gave a blanket promise to follow procedures.

"We expected him to come here and order the factory to resume construction but he has not done so," said Shaban Wandera a farmer.

He added, "We read mischief from the governor since three factories in Teso are ongoing without interruption why just this one of Matayos."

Two MCAs George Busera (Busibwabo) and Lucas Wakuloba (Matayos North) challenged leaders across board to come out and support initiative of pushing for the continuity of the project.

"Let the governor, senator and Members of parliament come out and defend the farmers from people of bad faith," said Busera

Wakuloba said, "We are giving them three days to ensure the factory resumes construction or else we stage a historic demonstration never witnessed before."

The irate farmers vowed to take the law into their hands if the petitioner does not withdraw the case before the end of the week.

However Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong has made an appeal to the national government to intervene and protect the investor.

Ojaamong assured the farmers that the county government's legal team was working towards lifting the court order cautioning locals from fighting development.

"Since Independence this is expected to be the biggest industry in the county and we feel disappointed if someone can go to court to stop development," Ojaamong lamented.
He added that his team is set to have talks with the investors so that they don't pack and leave.

The multibillion industry which was eared marked to start its operations by February next year has so far faced five court orders stopping its operations.

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Sospeter Ojaamong