A section of democracy and Human Rights activists in the North Rift region has welcomed President William Ruto’s stern warning against cartels in the sugar industry.
Led by Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Director Kipkorir Ng’etich, the activists say it is only through a firm stand that the government can be able crash the cartels that have held the industry hostage for years.
Speaking to Uasin Gishu News, Ng’etich asked the President not to soften his stand on the matter.
“We ask the President to remain firm in regard to a warning he recently issued to the sugar industry cartels,” the activist said.
“It’s only through taking such a firm stand that we can be able to revive the sugar industry,” he added.
During a recent development tour to the Western Kenya region, the President directed individuals embroiled in row over management of the Mumias Sugar to withdraw all court cases.
Warning to sugar Cartels
The order is said to have been directed at billionaire businessman Jaswanat Rai who has been battling with Sarai group of companies over the control of the collapsed factory based in Kakamega.
However, a section of human rights activists and the Law Society of Kenya faulted Ruto’s sentiments terming them a threat to one’s right to access to Justice.
But according to Ng’etich who is based in Eldoret town, sugar cartels have for long benefited at the expense of farmers and it was time they were dealt with.
“These cartels are all over the industry and are making profits while farmers are languishing in poverty. The President should maintain his position so that the industry is cleaned up once and for all,” the activist said.
The sugar industry in the county has been facing a myriad of challenges that have seen most of the publicly-owned companies shutting down.
This is despite the fact that a 2022 Economic Survey revealed that the industry supports at least 17 percent of Kenyan population.
It is a dominant employer and source of livelihoods for most households in 15 counties spread across Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western and Coast regions.
