Natembeya leads farmers, politicians to defy police, holds protest at Nzoia Sugar
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya on Tuesday led high-powered protestors to Nzoia Sugar Company, braving a heavy police blockade and clouds of teargas in protest against the controversial leasing of the state-run mill to business tycoon Jaswant Rai.
Accompanied by key political figures including DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Bungoma gubernatorial hopeful Zachariah Barasa, and a host of Members of County Assembly,Governor Natembeya denounced what he termed a “blatant betrayal” of sugarcane farmers and workers who depend on the ailing mill for their livelihoods.
Anti riotic police officers had cordoned off the area in a bid to thwart the protest, deploying riot gear and firing teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Undeterred, Natembeya pressed on, asserting his commitment to defending public interest against what he described as “state-enabled exploitation.”
“This is a fight for justice, accountability, and the dignity of our people,” said the governor, addressing the press amid the standoff. “We will not stand by as cartels tighten their grip on vital public institutions.”he added.
The protest comes amid growing public outrage over the government’s opaque handling of Nzoia Sugar’s leasing process, with critics accusing senior officials of colluding with private interests to grab public assets under the guise of revitalization.
The protestors move has drawn national attention, positioning him at the forefront of a broader crusade against corruption in Kenya’s struggling sugar industry.
Political observers note that his stance could galvanize renewed calls for transparency and reforms in the sector.
