A storm is brewing in Western Kenya after a group of legislators vowed to challenge the controversial lease of the Nzoia Sugar Company to West Kenya Sugar, a firm associated with the Rai family.
The leaders, drawn from both the National Assembly and Senate, accused the Ministry of Agriculture of breaching court orders and conducting a secretive process that undermines public interest.
Addressing the press in Bungoma, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga slammed the government for ignoring a conservatory court order that barred the leasing of the struggling public mill.
He claimed the Ministry of Agriculture and the State Law Office disregarded legal processes and failed to consult key stakeholders — including farmers, workers, and elected representatives.
“This lease was not sanctioned by the people. There is a court order in place, yet the ministry went ahead. Who is advising the government?” Kalasinga asked.
The leaders drew parallels to the failed revival of Pan Paper in 2016, also linked to the Rai family, where promises of industrial renewal never materialized, leaving workers unpaid and the factory dormant. Kalasinga warned that Nzoia Sugar risks a similar fate under Rai’s control.
“We will organize demonstrations on the ground and in the air until farmers and workers are paid and the tender process is opened to public scrutiny,” he added.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah dismissed the lease as a scheme to monopolize the sugar market rather than reviving the sector.
“You don’t lease one sugar firm to another competitor. That kills competition. This is market capture disguised as revival,” said Omtatah, who also accused the ministry of flouting procurement laws by ignoring an international tender process.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna vowed to challenge the lease both in court and on the streets. He termed the deal as a long-term land grab that bypassed farmers and the local community.
“This is economic sabotage. If we allow this lease to stand, we will have failed future generations. There was no consultation with Western Kenya residents,” said Sifuna. “History will judge those behind this betrayal.”
Butere MP Tindi Mwale questioned the legality of the takeover and the secrecy surrounding it. “Why was the handover done at night on a Saturday? Were they afraid of farmers? As Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, we will summon the Ministry to explain this shady deal,” he promised.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused the government of neglecting Kenya Kwanza’s campaign promises to Western Kenya.
“Pan Paper was sold for a song — Sh900 million for an asset worth Sh20 billion. Now Nzoia is going down the same road. No public participation, no transparency,” Osotsi said. “President Ruto promised to revive the sugar sector in six months. What we are seeing is betrayal.”
