Leaders from the Western region, led by National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, have criticized Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for questioning the recent bonus payout to sugarcane farmers. They urged him to refrain from interfering with this crucial initiative, which aims to support struggling farmers in the area.
Wetang’ula’s remarks came during a development tour with President Dr. William Ruto in Busia County. He labelled Kalonzo’s comments as “misplaced” and accused him of being out of touch with the hardships faced by sugarcane growers. “Kalonzo should stay out of this matter; he is not aware of the untold suffering our farmers have endured,” Wetang’ula stated.
Speaking at Kinjavi market, Wetang’ula criticized Kalonzo’s approach as divisive and detrimental to development efforts in the Western region. He questioned why Kalonzo remained silent when other farmers, such as those in tea and coffee, received bonuses and government support. “Cane farmers deserve bonuses just like their counterparts in other sectors,” he asserted.
Wetang’ula warned that if Kalonzo continued to spread negativity about government initiatives, they would expose his misleading claims. President Ruto echoed these sentiments, questioning the source of Kalonzo’s concerns. “Where do they think the money for tea and coffee farmers comes from? It all comes from the same source,” Ruto emphasized.
The Speaker highlighted that Ruto’s initiatives are designed to revitalize the struggling sugar sector, ultimately improving the livelihoods of many farmers affected by the closure of cane-crushing companies. He expressed determination to counter any opposition that threatens the progress made under the Kenya Kwanza government.
Other leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi and Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, joined Wetang’ula in condemning Kalonzo’s remarks. Dr. Paul Otuoma, the Busia governor, remarked that Kalonzo’s assertion that bonuses amounted to bribery was disrespectful to farmers. He called on Kalonzo, who aspires to the presidency, to advocate for the sector’s revival.
Oparanya pointed out Kalonzo’s lack of understanding of the sugarcane business, emphasizing that he cannot criticize government efforts to rejuvenate the industry. “What does he know about cane growing?” Oparanya questioned, warning that Kalonzo risks incurring the wrath of farmers if he persists in his negative rhetoric.
Last Monday, President Ruto presided over the issuance of Kshs. 150 million in cane bonuses at Mumias Sugar Company, a move celebrated by farmers and leaders alike as a motivational boost. However, both Mumias East MP Hon. Peter Salasya and Kalonzo have sought clarification on the funding’s source, claiming it was not budgeted.
During his tour, President Ruto inspected various development projects, underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving the region’s economic landscape.
