Leaders from the Western region have criticized Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for questioning the issuance of bonus payouts to sugarcane farmers in the region. They urged him to refrain from interfering with the initiative.
National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, accompanied by President Dr. William Ruto on a development tour of the region, accused Kalonzo of making unfounded remarks. Kalonzo had alleged that the bonuses were meant to bribe the region into supporting the government.
“Kalonzo’s outbursts on the issuance of cane bonuses to our struggling farmers are misplaced. He should steer clear of this matter because he is not aware of the immense suffering cane growers have endured,” Wetang’ula stated during an address at Kinjavi market in Nambale, Busia County.
Wetang’ula criticized the former Vice President’s “selfish and divisive politics,” which he claimed aimed to hinder development programs in the region. “Why is Kalonzo silent when tea and coffee farmers receive bonuses, yet he only questions similar support to sugarcane farmers?” Wetang’ula posed. He added, “Cane farmers are as entitled to bonuses as their counterparts in other sectors.”
President William Ruto echoed Wetang’ula’s sentiments, dismissing the criticism over the bonuses. “I have seen them question the source of funds used to pay sugarcane farmers. Where do they think the money for tea and coffee farmers comes from? It’s the same source,” he stated.
Wetang’ula emphasized that the government’s efforts to revive the sugar sector aim to make cane farming profitable and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region, many of whom have suffered due to the collapse of sugar companies. “We will not tolerate opposition leaders fighting to reverse the gains made in this sector,” he warned.
Other leaders, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, and Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, also criticized Kalonzo.
Dr. Otuoma noted, “Farmers from Busia have greatly benefited from the bonuses issued at Mumias Sugar Company. Kalonzo’s claim that these payments are bribes is disrespectful to farmers.” He urged leaders to support the government’s efforts to revive the sugar industry for the benefit of farmers.
Oparanya dismissed Kalonzo’s criticism, questioning his understanding of cane farming. “Who is Kalonzo to speak about cane farming? What does he know about the challenges our farmers face?” Oparanya asked, warning that Kalonzo’s remarks could provoke backlash from farmers.
Last Monday, President Ruto presided over the issuance of cane bonuses worth Kshs. 150 million at Mumias Sugar Company. The initiative was widely welcomed by farmers and leaders, who hailed it as a motivation for cane growers.
However, Mumias East MP Hon. Peter Salasya and Kalonzo have demanded an explanation of the source of the funds, questioning their budgetary allocation.
During his tour, President Ruto inspected the construction of the Nesewa Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) in Nambale Constituency. He also visited the Busia County Aggregation and Industrial Park, currently under construction, before launching the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project in Kinjavi and Alupe areas in Busia County.
The tour was attended by MPs, Principal Secretaries, MCAs, and senior national and county officials.
