On Thursday, a fierce clash erupted in the Kenyan Parliament as leaders from the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions locked horns. The catalyst for this intense debate was the accusation made by Leader of the Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, who asserted that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had failed to fulfill a financial obligation of Ksh300 million owed to the beleaguered Mumias Sugar Company.
The legislative assembly discussed comprehensive strategies to revitalize the ailing sugar miller and other state-owned sugar enterprises when Ichung’wah dropped this bombshell. In his impassioned presentation, Ichung’wah contended that Raila Odinga, leader of the ODM party, should be compelled to honor his financial commitment as part of the broader efforts to revitalize the struggling sugar industry. This startling claim sent shockwaves through the assembly, prompting Ichung’wah’s minority counterpart, Opiyo Wandayi, to challenge the Kenya Kwanza-affiliated legislator to provide substantiated evidence supporting his allegations.
Kimani Ichung’wah, the Kikuyu MP, stood his ground and defended his assertion, emphasizing that it was a matter of public interest and concern. For years, Mumias Sugar has been grappling with an overwhelming debt burden, estimated at a staggering Ksh4.8 billion, which is only a fraction of the colossal Ksh90.4 billion debt looming over all state-run sugar mills.
Towards the close of August, the Head of State authorized the government to write off Ksh117 billion in debts owed by five government-owned corporations. Deputy President Ruto explained that this debt relief measure aimed to facilitate the recovery of these once-thriving companies, ensuring they return to profitability.
In particular, Ruto underscored that Mumias Sugar Company, which had long been shackled by insurmountable debt, would have its entire financial liabilities expunged. This move, if successful, could breathe new life into a company that has been on the brink of collapse for years.
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