Rowdy farmers attack Busia governor leaving two officials seriously injured
The Busia Sugar Factory. Judge Stephen Kibunja issued an order barring the construction of the factory on July 15, 2015 until an appeal of the facility's environmental assessment is heard and determined. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI |
What you need to know:
- Rowdy farmers on Monday attacked Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, leaving two county officials seriously injured after a meeting turned chaotic.
- Among those injured and rushed to hospital were Mr Ojaamong’s political adviser Mr Linus Asiba and personal assistant to culture chief officer Vincent Gala.
- Mr Ojaamong had gone to talk to farmers over a current court order barring the construction of multi- million Busia Sugar factory.
Rowdy farmers on Monday attacked Busia County Governor Sospeter Ojaamong leaving two officials seriously injured after a meeting turned chaotic.
The fracas took place during a meeting in Busibwabo, Matayos Sub-County.
Among those injured and rushed to hospital were Mr Ojaamong’s political adviser Mr Linus Asiba and personal assistant to the Culture Chief Officer Vincent Gala.
Mr Ojaamong had gone to talk to farmers over a current court order barring the construction of the multi- million Busia Sugar Factory.
SCUFFLE ENSUED
Scuffle ensued when one of the security officers slapped a farmer as the governor was explaining what measures his county government has put in place to ensure the plant resumes operation.
The angry mob accused the governor of giving a blanket promise and started shouting forcing Mr Ojaamong to cut short his speech and take off.
“We expected the governor to tell us when the plant will resume its operation not just his obvious rhetorics. We depended on the income from the plant to take care of our families,” said Alice Onyango who used to sell mandazi and porridge to the construction workers.
Mr Shaban Wandera appealed to all political leaders in the region to unite and ensure the factory resumes its operations.
Area Member of County Assembly George Busera and his Matayos South counterpart Mr Lucas Wakuloba said they will hold a demonstration to push the county government to act.
SCARING INVESTORS AWAY
“We are giving the county government three days to ensure they solve the issue as it is scaring away investors,” said Mr Wakuloba.
The irate farmers vowed to deal with the petitioner of the case should he not withdraw the case.
Speaking in Nambale town during the groundbreaking ceremony of youth empowerment centre, later on Monday, Mr Ojaamong said his administration would ensure the factory resumes its operation.
“We know many people have been left jobless but my administration is working on the issue,” said Mr Ojaamong who also called on cane farmers to be patient as they assembly their legal team to handle the matter in court to enable the construction of the factory to continue.
This is the fifth court order barring the construction of the factory that was expected to begin its operation by January 2016.
