Police on Monday 12 May hurled teargas cannisters at the entourage of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as he led a public demonstration into Nzoia Sugar Company.
The police who had blocked the protestors attempt to access the sugar company unleashed teargas when they realized the Governor and the people with him were undeterred.
While addressing residents at Bukembe Market Governor Natembeya accused the government of crippling Western Kenya’s economy by handing over key industries to private interests.
Natembeya cautioned the public that leasing Nzoia Sugar to the same investor linked to the collapse of Webuye Pan Paper Mill would destroy the region’s last remaining industrial asset.
The police and residents were held in a dramatic one-hour standoff that culminated into the hurling of the teargas.
At Bukembe Market, Natembeya together with other local leaders addressed the public and thereafter resolved to occupy the Nzoia Sugar Company. There are reports that the ailing firm has been leased to an Asian investor under unclear contract terms.
The group accused the state of undermining the region’s economic foundations through questionable privatisation moves.
A heavy contingent of police officers was deployed to the area, blocking access roads and erecting barricades to prevent Natembeya’s convoy from reaching the facility.
“Our people are suffering. The widespread poverty in Western Kenya is being orchestrated by the government. This was the only factory left for our people. They finished the ginnery, Kitinda, and Webuye Pan Paper Mill. We will not allow Nzoia Sugar to be killed as well,” a furious Natembeya, declared.
The Governor said the investor in the deal had run down the Webuye Pan Paper factory.
“The private investor who deceived the government into handing over Nzoia Sugar is the same one who brought down Webuye Pan Paper. That company was doing well. Now it is dead. If he gets here, Nzoia will collapse too.”
The fiery Trans Nzoia Governor questioned the rationale behind selling or leasing state-owned firms that were performing poorly.
“It doesn’t mean that if a government company isn’t doing well it should be sold. Kenya Airways is not doing well, and it hasn’t been sold. Public universities are struggling. Even the government itself is not doing well. If there’s anything that should be leased, it is the government,” he said in mirth.
Natembeya vowed to resist the takeover even if the authorities should bring the army. He urged residents to stand up for their rights and insist on consultations before an investor of credible credentials is allowed in.
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