Sugarcane farmers at Nzoia Sugar Company have given a 24 hours ultimatum to the firm management to clear farmers’ arrears.The farmers’ are demanding the removal of Nzoia sugar company managing director Ezron Kotut.
Speaking to Prime Africa at the firm premises on Wednesday during the farmers’ protests, Chris Simiyu, a farmer revealed that they have taken the move to storm the factory premises so that Nzoia sugar company management hear their grievances, arguing that farmers who supplied their cane at the factory for milling have not been paid since last Year July.
“We are stranded as we cannot provide for our families because the money we had was used to ensure that cane is supplied at Nzoia sugar for milling but the company management is not appreciating our efforts,” Simiyu added.
Moreover, Simiyu appealed to the government through the ministry of Agriculture to make changes at the management.
“Let the government move with speed and remove those in management positions, we are tired of them,” he said, adding that as schools reopen for the second term, parents need money to facilitate their children’s Education.
He blamed the factory management for feeding factory workers and farmers with lies adding that those in senior management positions have absconded duties.
“As we speak today, nobody in the office gives information on when we shall get paid. That is why we have decided to stage protests so that the government can hear us,” he said.
Simiyu called on all farmers supplying cane at Nzoia Sugar Company to occupy the firm premises and elect new leaders who have their interests at heart.
“On Thursday, we have asked all farmers who are owed by Nzoia sugar factory to come so that we can chat the way forward because if we continue keeping quiet we may end up with nothing,” he said.
Jack Munialo, a farmer, warned that farmers will not allow Nzoia company tractors to carry mature cane on the farms till their dues are cleared.
The farmers’ outcry comes after the government is finalizing the Nzoia sugar privatization deal, a move that was opposed by DAPK Party Leader Eugene L Wamalwa during the media briefing at Chui House Headquarters in Nairobi.The Politician argued that the Judiciary remains last line of Defense against auctioning of Nzoia Sugar Company.
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