Cartels fighting Kenya-Uganda sugar deal, MPs claim

Cartels controlling the sugar industry are behind the attack on the Kenya-Uganda sugar deal, Members of Parliament allied to the Jubilee Coalition have said.

The leaders claimed that the cartels were among individuals who funded CORD campaigns during the last general election.

The MPs urged the government to pursue those responsible for the mess in the sugar industry.

The leaders also proposed the passing of a law that will empower sugarcane farmers to determine who imports sugar into the country.

Funyula MP Paul Otuoma broke ranks with the opposition leadership and asked his colleagues to stop politicising the matter for their own selfish gains.

“We should stop playing politics with the sugar industry. Let’s engage this debate in a sober way and do what is good for our people,” said Otuoma.

Turkana South MP James Lomenen told residents in the area to work with the Government for the prosperity of the region.

On his part, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said they would continue working with the government for the sake of development in the region, sentiments that were echoed by the county Senator Amos Wako.

“We are not defecting but we want to work with the Government for the benefit of our people,” said Ojaamong.

The leaders were speaking at Chelemuk School grounds at Teso south Constituencies in Busia County.

Other leaders present include National Assembly majority leader Aden Duale, Senator majority leader Kithure Kindiki and Senators Charles Keter (Kericho) and Amos Wako (Busia).

Members of Parliament include Arthur Odera (Teso North), Mary Emase (Teso South), Florence Mutua (Busia), Moses Cheboi (Kuresoi South), Tiya Galgalo (Isiolo), Boniface Otsyula (Bumula) and nominated MP Sonia Birdi.