Residents plan second protest over paper mill

Webuye residents plan to protest over the delayed reopening of Pan Paper Mills less than three weeks after a similar demo.

The planned demo follows Industrialisation permanent secretary John Lonyangapuo’s assurance two weeks ago that the factory would be back in operation before Christmas.

The planned protest comes as it emerged that the Sh500 million set aside for the reopening is a drop in the ocean.

Reliable sources said the protest had been outlawed.

The chairman of the government taskforce looking into the reopening of the factory, Mr Alexander Gatimbu, said the firm was vandalised and more than Sh1 billion may be required to revive it.

The Kenya Union of Printers, Paper Manufacturers and Allied Workers, councillors and former employees said they were tired of empty promises from the government.

Six months

Prime Minister Raila Odinga visited the factory early this year and promised that it would be back in operation in less than six months.

The residents are also protesting against the sacking of more than 15 senior managers who had been retained by receiver managers.