Family mourns death of Nzoia worker attacked by cane paochers

A somber mood engulfed the home of Mr. Robert Wabwile Simiyu, a worker at Nzoia Sugar Company after his family received news of his demise. The late was caught in a tense confrontation with cane poachers in Sirende, Misikhu where he had been posted to keep close watch of the company’s sugarcane.

According to his wife Pamela Wabwile, her husband left home as usual, but around noon, a Nzoia Sugar Company van stopped by her home, and she was driven to the Company, where she received the sad news.

“When I arrived I could not believe what I was seeing since the mood at the factory was not normal, when I tried to ask what had happened, I was told that the father of my children had passed away,” she explained amid sobs.

Wabwile’s death brings the number of deaths resulting from clashes between farmers and cane poachers to three.

This has led to demonstrations by farmers from Western region specifically Nzoia Sugar Company farmers, who have called for a lasting soultion to the problem, including clear setting up of boundaries to avoid illegal trespassing.

“We want the government to intervene and make sure that every miller has its zones because only that will prevent such incidences from occurring,” said one of the farmers.

Sirende location Chief Alfayo Walubengo confirmed the incident and said that the trend being developed in the region is dangerous and he urged the government to intervene to offer a lasting solution.

“The government should come out clearly and set boundaries that will guide millers when it comes to cane harvesting, in order to avoid cane encroachment which may lead to several deaths,” said Walubengo.

He also warned residents to stop the heinous crime.