Politics of Mumias Sugar finds way into bishop’s consecration

Politics of the beleaguered Mumias Sugar Company on Saturday intruded into the consecration of the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega when Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale told Deputy President William Ruto to push for the immediate arrest of those behind the giant company’s near-collapse.

Mr Ruto, who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Bukhungu Stadium ceremony, announced that the government would on Monday set the date when a new Mumias Sugar Company board and management team would hold an annual general meeting.

He also revealed that the government had withheld a substantial bailout cash for the miller due to its terrible state of affairs but had finally reached a solution to help the company back to its feet.

“For three months we have been discussing as government with Mumias Sugar’s donors and lenders, the board, management and other stakeholders and agreed that we must change the board and management to spare Mumias from going under,” Mr Ruto said.

“We had money to bail out Mumias but we didn’t want to release the money until we were sure it does not go into the hands of thieves,” the DP added.

ARREST KIDERO

Senator Khalwale asked Mr Ruto to rein in the managers behind Mumias’ collapse, starting with the arrest of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, claiming that it was under Mr Kidero’s watch as managing director that the miller’s troubles were compounded.

“I want to thank the Deputy President for your intentions to get Mumias going. This week, you arrested those charged with the Anglo Leasing scandal. I want in that spirit, the government of Uhuru and Ruto to go and arrest the perpetrators of the corruption that has led to the collapse of Mumias Sugar Company.”

The Kakamega Senator also highlighted the problem facing the University of Eldoret, criticising attempts to eject its Vice-Chancellor “on tribal grounds”.

“Deputy President, please go and prevail upon the leaders of Uasin Gishu to stop bringing tribalism into the University of Eldoret by trying to remove a Luhya Lady Theresa Akengaso that they appoint a Kalenjin…” he said.

Contacted, Dr Kidero said that anyone who has evidence against him should pass it on to investigate agencies.

“In fact, if I was not the Governor of Nairobi City County, I would still be the chief executive of Mumias Sugar Company and lead the company to greater achievements. We need to stop petty and petulant politics,” Dr Kidero said.