April 4th, 2009
By Jeff Otieno
Agriculture Minister William Ruto has been challenged by farmers, politicians and professionals from Western Province cane growing zones for failing to intervene in troubles bedevelling leading sugar miller in the country Mumias Sugar.
Speaking to the press separately on strict condition of anonymity the group described the Ministers silence as “Suicidal” and well calculated to bring down the management of the miller.
Ben Washiali the area MP who ignited the incitement crusade has been overheard chest thumping in social joints saying that he has already sealed the fate of the management and at times stage managing phone calls to imply to his cronies that he was talking to Ruto.
Washiali, Silvester Wakoli and Dr. Bonny Khalwale recently staged an outlawed meeting in Mumias where scores of people were injured and even Washiali himself breaking a limb in the ensuing stampede.
It’s however imperative and worth noting that both Khalwale and Wakolis constituencies are not inclined to Mumias in terms of Sugar growing coverage.
Wakoli according to the enraged farmers should instead direct his energies and ideas in the moribund Webuye Paper Mills. While Khalwale, they argue should concentrate on addressing woes engulfing the financially crippled Nzoia Sugar Company.
“These three MPs have become tribal chieftains and mercenaries for hire,” the farmers roared during an interview.
Several western Province MPs save for the trio have distanced themselves from barbaric crusade to harmonise the contentious sugar cane prices saying that legitimate avenues should be followed as opposed to intimidating and narrow approach which has even left top managers to live in fear with their families.
The chief executive Evans Kidero has made the outfit more vibrant posting profits since he took over six years ago save for last year where the company posted a loss in what the management attributed to global economic crunch and post election skirmishes.
END