Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has declared that he will name the Members of Parliament (MPs) who are allegedly involved in the cheap sugar smuggling scam.
The COTU boss stated that he will lay a list of the names of the lawmakers next week at COTU headquarters in Nairobi.
"I have a list of principal suspects who smuggle contraband sugar and I am ready to release their names. All sugar barons are well known to the government and they must be arrested and workers audited on how they acquired their wealth," Atwoli mentioned.
[caption caption="File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and COTU boss Francis Atwoli"]
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Speaking during a funeral in Kakamega county on Saturday, Atwoli exclaimed that sugar cartels are well-connected individuals working in partnership with the country's top elite.
He also divulged that the sugar barons find it easy to smuggle cheap, duty-free sugar into the country due to the extensive network they have established over the years.
"The thriving of these cartels has been heavily dependent on their rich political connections, which this Government must take decisive action against and dismantle," Atwoli mentioned.
Additionally, he asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to move with speed and support Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i arrest the cartels involved.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta must crack the whip to end the sugar smuggling menace. It is absurd that the cartels are now hell-bent on driving hundreds of Kenyans out of employment and stifling the entire sugar industry by killing our local industries so that they can continue dumping cheap sugar in the country," Atwoli exclaimed.
He further regretted that workers as well as cane growers whose livelihoods heavily depend on the industry have been hit hard by the unfortunate happenings.
"Our people are dying because of contraband sugar which is putting their lives at risk. The companies involved in the scam must be closed and the leaders jailed," he commented.
[caption caption="File image of COTU boss Francis Atwoli"]
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