The air crackled with tension – and tear gas – as Bungoma Governor George Natembeya and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa found themselves blocked by police from accessing the Nzoia Sugar Company on May 12, 2025. The two leaders were spearheading a protest against the proposed leasing of the struggling sugar factory, a move that has ignited fierce debate and raised concerns within the local community.
The protest stemmed from deep-seated anxieties surrounding the government’s decision to lease Nzoia Sugar Company. Natembeya and Wamalwa, along with a contingent of local residents, argue that the leasing process lacks transparency and fails to adequately address the concerns of farmers and workers who depend on the factory for their livelihoods. Their primary grievances include:
Lack of Public Consultation: Critics claim the community was not properly consulted before the leasing decision.
Job Security: Workers fear potential job losses under new management.
Farmer Payments: There is concern that farmers will not receive fair prices for their sugarcane.
Transparency: Concerns about the terms of the lease and who will benefit.
As Natembeya and Wamalwa attempted to enter the Nzoia Sugar Company premises, police officers intervened, preventing them and their supporters from proceeding. Reports indicate that tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd, leading to chaotic scenes and widespread condemnation. The use of force against peaceful protestors has been criticised by human rights groups and opposition leaders, who accuse the government of suppressing dissent.
Government officials have defended the decision to lease Nzoia Sugar Company, arguing that it is the only viable option to revive the struggling factory and ensure its long-term sustainability. They maintain that the leasing process is transparent and that measures will be taken to protect the interests of farmers and workers. However, these assurances have failed to quell the concerns of those who believe that the leasing will ultimately benefit private investors at the expense of the local community.
The Nzoia Sugar Company saga highlights the challenges facing Kenya’s sugar industry, which has been plagued by mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency for decades. The protests and the government’s response have significant implications for the local community, which relies heavily on the sugar factory for employment and economic stability. The incident also raises broader questions about the role of public participation in decision-making processes and the government’s responsibility to protect the interests of its citizens.
The clash at Nzoia Sugar Company is just the latest chapter in a long-running saga. Whether the leasing will ultimately revitalize the factory or further exacerbate the problems facing the sugar industry remains to be seen. For now, the community remains divided and uncertain about the future.
