KITALE: The ongoing debate on the Kenya/Uganda sugar deal took centre stage during the 12th anniversary of the late former vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa.
The celebrations, which were marked at Wamalwa’s home in Kitale, saw leaders from Western region criticise the Opposition for politicising the sugar issue to suit their own interests.
In what was seen as a defence to the Jubilee administration, a number of leaders affiliation to different political parties said the Opposition should desist from hoodwinking the electorate. ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi blamed the Opposition for what he termed as a ploy to mislead the public.
He said there is need for countries to enjoy the good relations instead of creating unnecessary rifts.
“East African Community officials should spearhead the formulation of rules of origin for member states so that we can continue with the present unity with our neighbours,” he said.
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Lugari MP Ayub Savula alleged that the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader Raila Odinga is to blame for the woes bedevilling the sugar industry.
Mr Savula said there is need for him to repay debts that led to the collapse of Mumias Sugar Company.
“Siri ya deni ni kulipa (the secret to debts is repayment) and Mr Raila should be at the forefront compelling Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to explain to Kenyans what happened to the sugar industry,” he said.
His Navakholo counterpart Emanuel Wangwe said there is need for the Government to put mechanisms that will ensure stiff monitoring of sugar entry from countries not under the EAC. “As leaders we have a responsibility of ensuring that a law is enacted to deter unscrupulous individuals from importing cheap sugar,” he said.
RESPECT COMMUNITY
Ugandan legislator Simon Mulongo said there is need for leaders to respect the East African Community (EAC).
“There was a reason why the EAC agreed to work together by signing a pact, which should always be respected. Whoever undermines the integration of EAC is an enemy of development,” said Mr Mulongo.
The legislator maintained that no leader should stop the good relations enjoyed by countries under the treaty.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta was categorical that he never signed but rather endorsed the deal, that doesn’t mean that we cannot continue buying goods from each other. If Chepkube business could not be stopped who are we to do so now?” he wondered.
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said the Constitution recognises treaties as part of the country’s law and should not be ignored.
“The treaties bind us together with the common markets and as a country we shall always respect it. At the moment we need to build bridges with our neighbouring countries instead of breaking them,” he said.
He noted that those against the sugar pact should have instead championed for the expansion of sugar industries in the country to meet the production capacity. “The importation of sugar started while Raila was the prime minister. Why is he now against the move now that he is in the Opposition?” he asked.
The meeting was also attended by governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and MPs Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Benjamin Washiali (Mumias), Bungoma Woman Representative Reginalda Wanyonyi and former Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli.
