National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula says Ksh1.7 billion approved by MPs through a Supplementary Budget will go a long way in supporting revival plans for the ailing sugar sector in the country.
Hon. Wetang’ula says allocation will boost the ambitious programme that is being spearheaded by President William Ruto to breathe life back into the struggling sector.
While dismissing allegations that there are plans to sell the struggling Nzoia sugar factory, Hon. Wetang’ula said Ksh.300 million – being part of the Sh1.7 billion – will be disbursed to the miller in Bungoma County.
“Leaders preaching propaganda that Nzoia is set for sale are prophets of doom. In two weeks time Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will visit the factory to deliver the money. This will shame the rumour mongers,” said Wetang’ula.
Out of the Ksh300 million, Speaker Wetang’ula explained that Ksh.250 million will be used to settle debts owed to farmers and the remaining Ksh.50 million will go towards paying pending employees’ salaries.
Speaking during the funeral service of Antony Namisi Maloba at Mukhweya village, Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County, the Speaker took issue with area MP Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga who he accused of being used by his political detractors to spread propaganda about the mill.
He said the action by the MP is intended to undermine him.
“Go slow on Nzoia sugar matters. You (Hon. Kalasinga) were among MPs who accompanied me when we met President Ruto over Nzoia sugar woes and the Head of State was clear that the factory will not be sold. Please tell the farmers the truth,” Wetang’ula told Kalasinga, who was present during the funeral.
He lashed at former Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi of using the miller’s woes to revive their dead political careers.
“I want to tell Wamalwa and Wamunyinyi their campaigns to use Nzoia Sugar Company to resurrect their political careers are doomed to fail. Nzoia is not a resurrection garden,” said Wetang’ula.
The Speaker noted that he was happy that the sugar mill was on the recovery path as it was crushing cane among other production activities.
“The good news is that the Nzoia sugar factory has resumed crushing activities and farmers are being paid their dues two weeks after delivery of cane,” he pointed out.
Wetang’ula asked farmers to take advantage of the revival plans outlined by the government to grow cane and support the factory so as to attain full crushing capacity.
He said he will accompany Hon Linturi when he will be touring the factory to deliver the cash and address farmers to outline recovery plans the Ministry has put in place to restore the its lost glory.
“On Friday next week I have organized a meeting between the President and Bungoma County leaders to make a follow up on the status of the projects the Head of State promised residents during his visit to the county,” he added.
The Speaker noted that the National Assembly was committed to supporting plans to revive ailing sugar factories in the country.
He noted that the majority of farmers, especially from Western region, have suffered following the collapse of the mills noting that the government will bail them out by reviving the factories.
The Speaker noted that the National Assembly will ensure that funds allocated for revival of the factories were used for the purpose.
The Speaker was accompanied by MPs who included Bungoma Senator Hon. Wakoli Wafula, Bungoma County MP Hon. Catherine Wambilianga, Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Hon. Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), Hon. Martin Pepela (Webuye East) and Hon Dr John Chikati (Tongaren).

The MPs dismissed claims that Nzoia Sugar Company was on the verge of being sold.
Hon Chikati accused the DAP-K Party Leader of using the mill to undermine the Speaker.
Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Hon. Emmanuel Situma and MCAs led by Majority Leader Hon. Joseph Nyongesa among other leaders also attended the funeral.