Bungoma farmers back Nzoia Sugar take over, slam ‘corrupt and greedy’ politicians

Sugar cane farmers from Bungoma County have thrown their weight behind the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company in a bid to revive it.

Just a day after politicians led by Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya sponsored protests against the take-over of the struggling sugar mill, the farmers have now come out guns blazing and told off the politicians.

According to the farmers, they are confident that the management of West Kenya Sugar Company, which is set to take over Nzoia, will turnaround their fortunes just like their counterparts in neighbouring Kakamega County.

West Kenya Sugar Company is situated in Kakamega County while Nzoia Sugar Company is in Bungoma County.

“We, the farmers of Bungoma County, stand united in our unwavering support for the takeover of Nzoia Sugar Company by West Kenya Sugar Company.

“This is a momentous occasion that promises to bring much-needed relief, prosperity, and dignity to our community after years of hardship and mismanagement,” they said in a statement on May 13.

In their support, they said that they are optimistic they will start receiving their pay on time and that the firm’s infrastructure will be improved.

“West Kenya Sugar Company has a proven track record of treating farmers and workers with the respect they deserve. Farmers under their contract are paid promptly, enabling them to educate their children, develop their land, and significantly improve their quality of life. This is the future we envision for Nzoia Sugar Company—a future where our hard work is rewarded, and our contributions are valued,” they said.

The farmers singled out politicians Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Jack Wamboka (Bumula) and Nabii Nabwera of Lugari of being among those leaders who do not wish farmers contracted to Nzoia sugar well.

The aggrieved farmers have accused the politicians of being on the forefront of disrupting any positive change at the sugar firm and thus contributing to its downfall.

They have repeatedly pressured previous management for financial favors under the guise of political activities, siphoning resources that should have gone to farmers and workers.

“Some of these politicians have even plotted to seize land from Nzoia Sugar’s nucleus, betting on the factory’s failure to advance their personal agendas. Their current actions are not motivated by concern for the farmers or workers but by self-serving interests,” claimed the farmers.

At the same time, it has now emerged that the Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera is being sponsored by Butali Sugar Mills investor, Jayante Patel, to oppose the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company to the West Kenya’s Dejveer Rai.

Nabwera has been vocal in public, calling out on the government to cancel the deal between the two firms.

However, to the shock of many, Nabwera has gone ahead to urge the Bungoma farmers to boycott delivery of their produce to Nzoia and instead take their produce to Butali Sugar Mills.

This stance has raised eyebrows on why he has chosen to fight West Kenya sugar factory which is the largest and well established.

Our source has intimated that Nabwera has been receiving favours from Butali sugar, and it is said that he has been promised millions of shillings should the government cancel the lease.

Our source has also revealed that the first time MP met with the management of the sugar factory and was paid handsomely to launch an onslaught against the management of West Kenya sugar factory.

Jayante, our source revealed, has asked Nabii to recruit other leaders to organise for demonstrations to force Rai out of Nzoia.

This has irked the farmers who have vowed not to allow politics destroy their livelihoods.

“We see through their facade and categorically reject their attempts to derail progress for their own benefit. Throughout the years of hardship, these politicians never once visited Nzoia Sugar Company to offer any assistance or support to the struggling farmers and workers,” said the farmers.

“They only appeared when they sought favors from the management. Now, as we stand on the brink of a new era, they seek to incite unrest, hoping to extract bribes from the new investor. Their hypocrisy is laid bare for all to see,” the farmers added.

The Governor of Bungoma Ken Lusaka has also slammed his Trans Nzoia counterpart and leaders from the region including former Cabinet Secretary for Defence Eugene Wamalwa who organized demos against the lease deal.

Lusaka has accused them of misinforming the public on the leasing process, arguing that they have failed to present any viable alternatives.

“Where were they when the factory went months without paying workers? Where were they when machines broke down and farmers’ cane dried in the fields? Let’s not pretend to care now just because it’s convenient for advancing their political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections,” he warned.

Interestingly, Nzoia Sugar factory was facing hardships when Eugene Wamalwa served as the Cabinet Secretary of Devolution and Planning.