Members of Parliament allied to the Jubilee coalition have said cartels in the sugar industry are now fighting back following the agreement between Kenya and Uganda.
The lawmakers asked the government to pursue and prosecute individuals responsible for the mess in the sugar industry.
They also proposed that parliament should pass a law that will empower sugar cane farmers to determine who imports sugar into the country.
The MPs at the same time said politics should be kept out of the agreement between the two countries adding the Government’s move was aimed at streamlining the sugar industry.
Funyula MP Paul Otuoma broke ranks with opposition leadership and asked his colleagues in the Opposition to stop politicizing the matter for their own selfish gains. “We should stop playing politics with the sugar industry,” said Mr. Otuoma.
“Let’s engage this debate in a sober way and do what is good for our people,” added Mr. Otuoma.
Other leaders were the leader of majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale, and leader of majority in the senate Kithure Kindiki and senators Charles Keter (Kericho) and Amos Wako (Busia), Others were MPs Arthur Odera (Teso North), Mary Emase (Teso South), James Lomenen (Turkana South), Florence Mutua (Busia), Moses Cheboi (Kuresoi South), Tiya Galgalo (Isiolo) Sonia Birdi(nominated) Otsyula(Bumula) and Governor Sospeter Ojamong (Busia).
Speaking at Chelemuk school grounds in Teso North and Emase primary school grounds in Teso south Constituencies in Busia County, the leaders said it was only the Government that is capable of solving the problems facing Kenyans.
The function was presided over by Deputy President William Ruto who supported sentiments by the MPs that cartels were fighting back.
Mr. Ruto said the cartels were known for repackaging imported sugar into local packets before selling to the locals.
“This is what we are against. We want to work and cooperate with Uganda in ensuring sugarcane farmers are helped. That is genuine neighborhood and good relations,” said Ruto.
He said, the sugar board of Uganda and the Kenya sugar board will work together to ensure that no sugar from others countries is sold in Kenya.
“We cannot resolve the problems facing the sugar industry by holding demonstrations with the Opposition. It can only be solved by working together with the Government,” said Mr. Ruto.
The MPs also dismissed calls by the Opposition that a sugar agreement between Kenya and Uganda be made public adding that the Opposition was seeking cheap publicity.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
They said those criticizing the Government's decision to give Mumias Sugar Sh 1 billion and starting off a bailout that will culminate with a Sh4 billion rights issue had done nothing when they held senior positions in the previous coalition government.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join