We have matured politically, Namwamba

We have matured politically, Namwamba

Leaders from Luhya community put aside their political differences to join President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto at the ‘resuscitation’ of Mumias Sugar Company.

The ceremony aimed at setting base for the revival of the sugar miller, saw various leaders, affiliated to Jubilee, CORD and Amani coalitions attend with one agenda; to show support for the revival of the company ailed by financial constraints.

One after the other, the leaders expressed their gratitude to President Kenyatta for releasing Ksh 1 billion bailout for reviving the company.

In his speech, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale said it is great to see leaders from the region unite for a common course saying there is time for politics and time for development, though the two may at some point meet.

He also urged MPs from Western Kenya to fight for inclusion of Mumias Sugar Company’s needs in the country’s budget in order to bring it back to its feet.

Khalwale stated that he is ready to work with the government in the fight against corruption to ensure the locals benefit from their hard work.

The gesture was seen as a sense of maturity by Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba who said despite his staunch support and Secretary General of CORD he has leant to accept that Jubilee government is in power.

“The unity being showed today signifies that Western leaders have matured politically,” said Namwamba.

“I am a CORD diehard, but we have accepted that there can only be one government at a time and currently it is Jubilee that is in government.”

Despite being a direct opposition to the Jubilee government, CORD co-principal Moses Wetangula lauded the President’s move to support Mumias Sugar saying the company needs constant support from the government in order to re-establish its fort.

Wetangula urged parliament to enact legislation that will ensure sugarcane farmers are paid before delivering their cane saying it is unfortunate that they have to wait for more than five months before receiving their payment.

Amani coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi, on his part, reaffirmed his commitment in propelling growth in the region saying political differences should not be a hindrance to development.

Other leaders including Webuye East MP Alfred Sambu, former Westlands MP Fred Gumo, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.

The leaders hailed the President’s willingness to ensure Mumias Sugar Company is back to full operation even as they urged him to allocate more funds to its revival and put into consideration resuscitating Webuye Pan Paper Mill.

Other leaders who addressed the gathering include Lugari MP Ayub Savula, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, Mumias West MP Johnson Naika, Funyula MP Paul Otwoma Water and Mining Cabinet Secretary designate Eugene Wamalwa among others.

The event, held at Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County, was graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

Tags:

CORD Ababu Namwamba Mumias Sugar Company Budalangi Luhya leaders

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