Former Rarieda MP and Kenya Sugar Board director Eng. Nicholas Gumbo Wajonya has accused Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o of “playing politics” with the future of sugar industry workers, insisting the governor was part of the team that approved the sale of sugar milling companies.
Speaking to journalists in Kisumu on Thursday, Gumbo said Nyong’o, alongside former Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, and ex-Migori Governor Okoth Obado, signed the sugar industry task force report at Tom Mboya Labour College.
“The task force report that recommended sugar milling companies to be sold was signed by Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o himself,” Gumbo charged. “Did he sign what he did not read? He is a professor who does not know how to read? He should stop playing politics with serious issues. He signed that the companies be sold, not leased.”
Gumbo further dismissed Nyong’o’s claims that there had been no public participation in the privatization process.
“Enough publication was done. He should stop lying to Kenyans. These companies have been starving for over 30 years. The agreement with employees was clear that layoffs would follow once private owners took over the milling companies,” he said.
The former legislator cited Muhoroni Sugar as an example of progress under privatization, noting that the mill is currently crushing 1,500 tonnes of cane daily.
“Today we were in Muhoroni. It is one of the companies that was privatized. We gave them time to start milling sugar. So far, it is doing well,” Gumbo said.
He assured that pending worker payments would be settled and that the majority of employees would be retained.
“We will ensure those who are owed salaries are paid before retirement. At least 90 percent of the workers will be reinstated. Some have requested to leave since they cannot continue working, but they too will receive their dues,” he said.
Gumbo acknowledged that challenges remain but expressed optimism that the sector was on the path to recovery. “There will be delays and challenges, but at the end of the day, people will be paid. Muhoroni has operated without proper facilities for over 30 years, but today, people are working under a great atmosphere,” he said.
