CORD is protecting sugar cartels, DP William Ruto claims

Deputy President William Ruto on Saturday told Western Kenya leaders to work with government since it was the only solution to problems affecting the region.

Speaking at Chelemuk school grounds in Busia County, Ruto said the government was ready to work with legislators from the region to address challenges affecting the sugar industry

“We cannot resolve the problems facing the sugar industry by holding demonstrations with the Opposition. It can only be solved by working together with the government,” said Ruto.

He told Western Kenya leaders that the Government was the only salvation for the challenges facing the region.

“We are ready to engage leaders in solving the problems facing the people irrespective of their political affiliations,” he said.

The DP claimed that there were cartels in the sugar industry known for repackaging imported sugar and selling it to Kenyans.

He said Jubilee would cooperate with Uganda to ensure no sugar from other countries finds its way into Kenya

Ruto added that MPs from Western Kenya were invited for a discussion with the government because they are Uganda’s immediate neighbours.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale claimed that top CORD leaders were protecting sugar barons who had fleeced factories in Western Kenya because they were beneficiaries of the same.

“We know the Opposition also benefitted from such cartels during the last general election,” said Mr Duale.

While laying foundation stone for the construction of Changara Technical Training Institute earlier, the Deputy President said that the Jubilee administration would work with all leaders and Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations.

Ruto said plans were underway to construct a dam to serve the people of Teso at a cost of Sh10 billion. He added that the Lake Victoria Authority had been asked to ensure the programme was implemented in order to end water problems in the area.