Governor Dr Wycliffe Oparanya has claimed that sugar barons are frustrating efforts to revive sugar industries in the country. He said the cartels in the sector want to import cheap sugar at the expense of local sugar farmers and millers which are at the verge of collapse. “We have barons in the sugar sector who are determined to kill sugar industries in Kenya. They want cheap imports for their selfish interests. They don’t want our sugar millers to thrive,,” said Dr Oparanya. Speaking at Bukura ATC during a meeting with farmers, the Governor blamed some local leaders for supporting cartels in the sugar sector to kill local industries.
He said the leaders and cartels have ganged up to block revival of Mumias Sugar Company. “Some leaders are being used by sugar barons to block revival of Mumias Sugar Company. They have blocked leasing of Mumias which is a private company,” he said. He warned Kenyans against electing leaders who serve their selfish interests instead of championing for the well-being of the country and its people. He said the Government has no say in the management of Mumias Sugar Company after the company was put under receivership.