'There are better ways to address sugar crisis, cartels,' Azimio to Ruto

President William Ruto with other Western region leaders at Nzoia Sugar Company, August 28, 2023.
[Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has castigated President William Ruto's recent remarks on cartels he alleged are frustrating the sugar sector, and that were directed at businessman Janswat Rai.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 29, Minority leader in the Senate, Stewart Madzayo, claimed that the remarks were reckless and a threat to investors in the country.

"It is quite disturbing to hear a whole President threatening investors in Kenya by claiming that they will be arrested, deported or taken to heaven. What message is he sending to investors who are not explicitly supporting him?" Azimio posed.

The Raila Odinga-led coalition at the same time said that the remarks by Ruto who spoke on Monday, while in Bungoma County, contravene Article 27 of the Constitution which gives every person a right to life and Article 40 that stipulates that every person has the right to acquire and own property in Kenya.

"Janswat Rai is a human being whose life deserves to be protected at all costs just like any other person living in Kenya. Ruto was out of line in stating that Mr. Rai be taken to heaven, and we all know what he means," Madzayo added.

The statement stressed that even though Rai has been accused of frustrating the revival of the sugar industry, there are better ways to address the matter other than threats.

"We will wait for proposals in Parliament that will revive a once proud industry and restore hope and improve the livelihoods of the many sugarcane farmers in the Western Region.”

On Monday, Ruto vowed to dismantle cartels, causing confusion in the sugar sub-sector demanding that two investors fighting over control of Mumias sugar company must cease, pack up and move out.

"Let them withdraw the court case and move out. I have told them there are only three options left, they either move out, go to jail or embark on the journey to heaven," he said.