Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong’o has dismissed reports of a rift between him and ODM party leader Raila Odinga over the issue of leasing state-owned sugar factories.
In a statement on Friday, May 9, Nyong’o clarified that he and Raila are in full agreement on the matter, and there is no discord between them
“Recent media reports have created a false impression that Raila Odinga and I are at odds over the leasing of sugar factories. This is not the case. We are fully aligned on this issue,” he said.
Nyong'o reiterated their joint position, emphasizing the need for government withdrawal from the management of the struggling factories to allow for private investment.
“Our shared position is clear: the government must exit the management of these factories and instead lease them to private investors through a competitive and transparent process,” he added.
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On Wednesday, May 7, Nyong'o released a statement criticizing the national government’s plan to lease Chemelil and Muhoroni sugar mills.
He said the move breaks the law and could lead to monopolies that would hurt farmers and take away public property.
“This ill-conceived leasing agenda is not just illegal; it is a threat to land rights, community cohesion, and the future of the sugar industry in Kisumu.
“The 30-year leases will disenfranchise local farmers, robbing them of land and economic autonomy. This is unconstitutional and violates Articles 10, 11, 60, and 62, which guarantee public participation, transparency, and land protection," he said.
Nyong’o called the privatization plan an economic takeover that would allow a few wealthy individuals to benefit at the expense of ordinary people.
He said it goes against previous court rulings that protected public ownership, also pointing out that the process lacked openness, which goes against the Constitution and public procurement rules.
In the same statement, Nyong’o raised concerns about whether the two companies set to lease the mills are financially and operationally ready.
“Agriculture is a devolved function under Schedule 4 of the Constitution. Any national action excluding county input is unconstitutional,” he added.
