Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka
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President William Ruto has recently defended the allocation of bonuses to sugarcane farmers, addressing concerns raised by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Ruto has dismissed allegations regarding the funding source for the Sh150 million bonuses, emphasizing they stemmed from effective planning and management by the sugar companies rather than government funds. Reflecting on his visit to Mumias, Ruto highlights efforts to revitalize the local sugar industry, including the dismantling of cartels and restoring factory operations.
These initiatives have not only facilitated regular weekly payments to farmers but also enabled workers to receive monthly salaries. This marks the first distribution of bonuses to sugarcane farmers in the region. The President expresses confusion over the criticism directed at recent developments in the sugar sector. He questions why the progress, which includes the assurance of bonuses and timely payments, is being examined unfavorably.
In addressing Musyoka's claims that the bonuses might have originated from public funds, Ruto draws comparisons with bonuses given to tea and coffee farmers, asserting that all agricultural producers deserve equitable treatment. Ruto assures that additional sugar companies, such as Nzoia, Sony, Chemelil, and Muhoroni, are poised to follow suit with their own bonus distributions.
He accuses some political leaders of deliberately maintaining farmers in a state of poverty for personal or political advantage. Busia Governor Paul Otuoma echoed these sentiments, suggesting that initiatives benefiting Western Kenya are often unjustly labeled as corrupt while similar programs in other areas go unquestioned. He praises the current administration’s efforts to address challenges within the sugar industry and criticizes Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for a perceived regional bias.
During his visit to Busia, Ruto inspected various development projects, including the Bukhayo/Nasewa Export Processing Zone (EPZA) project, anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities. He issued a stern ultimatum to the contractor of the Busia County Aggregation and Industrial Park, demanding project completion by June or facing contract termination.