Bungoma leaders have opposed President William Ruto's plan to lease sugar companies, especially Nzoia Sugar Company, to private players.
The State, on Tuesday last week, announced a tender inviting individuals and entities interested in taking over the companies to place their bids.
Now, politicians led by former Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa have vowed to oppose the project arguing that the public was not involved in the decision.
"We are opposing all privatisation plans without Parliamentary oversight. As Azimio leaders, we went to court led by Raila Odinga and got an order barring all privatisation plans," stated Wamalwa.
"Our reasons were the leaders themselves have aligned themselves in positions to buy these companies."
The leaders further claimed that Parliament was not involved in the decision speculating that the lease would create a prime environment for grabbing.
"They promised to purchase new machines in Trans Nzoia as well as clear debts and pay farmers. We are now perplexed that they did not pay the farmers and did not buy machines but are planning to lease the company," corroborated Ex-Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi.
"Nzoia is the only company benefitting the county. All the rest collapsed. Now they want to lease it for 50 years. Let me tell you, that will not be possible while we are still in Bungoma," added Zachariah Barasa, a politician.
Earlier, the State Department for Agriculture announced that it was leasing public sector-owned sugar companies.
It thus demanded a deposit of Ksh10 million from prospective investors as security during the bidding process.
The Head of State first made public his plans to privatise sugar companies in October last year arguing that the move would make them profitable and revitalise the sector.
Initially, Ruto revealed that part of the agreement would demand the new owners to install new machines and provide value for farmers.
“We will agree with them to install new machines and pay farmers on time,” he stated.
In the latest advertisement, interested parties were asked to pick detailed documents at Kilimo House after parting with a non-refundable fee of Ksh5,000.
