Senator Chesang slams Natembeya for leading protests in Bungoma
Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang has hit out at the county’s governor George Natembeya over his move to join protests in Bungoma County.
Natembeya was on Monday, May 12, 2025, part of the political leaders from the Western Kenya region that led protests in Bungoma to oppose the lease of Nzoia Sugar Company.
Taking to his official X account on the evening of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Chesang faulted Natembeya for joining the protests in the neighbouring county when Trans Nzoia has issues that need his attention.
According to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawmaker, Natembeya should first fix the health crisis in Trans Nzoia.
“Before leading protests in Bungoma, Governor Natembeya should first fix the health crisis in Trans Nzoia. Our people deserve functioning hospitals, not political drama,” Chesang stated.
He went ahead to claim that it was an irony for Natembeya to protest against Rai Group’s takeover of Nzoia Sugar when the same company has been buying sugarcane from Trans Nzoia farmers.
Chesang further questioned whether Natembeya is really fighting for the people or just engaging in political showmanship.
“Why is Governor Natembeya protesting Rai’s involvement in leasing Nzoia Sugar, yet he’s silent when the same Rai group buys sugarcane from Trans Nzoia farmers? Is it really about defending the people, or is it just about political showmanship?” he questioned.
Natembeya’s stance
Governor Natembeya on Monday, May 12, joined Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Kabuchai constituency MP Majimbo Kalasinga, former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and activist Zachariah Baraza in leading farmers and workers of Nzoia Sugar Company in demonstrating against what they termed as the illegal leasing.
Natembeya has been arguing that the government was wrong in leasing Nzoia Sugar to Rai for 30 years at a throwaway price.
Sugar factories leased
The government has completed the leasing of four public sugar factories.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government had officially handed over the operations of Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni sugar companies to private millers under a 30-year lease.
Kagwe said West Kenya Sugar Company will now operate Nzoia Sugar; Chemelil has gone to Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries; Sony Sugar will be run by Busia Sugar Industry Ltd, while West Valley Sugar Company has taken over Muhoroni.
“Stakeholders in Kisumu, Parliament, and even the courts agreed—leasing was the right model. This is not just about turning profits; it’s about restoring dignity to the thousands of families that depend on sugar farming and processing,” he said.
The leasing model, Kagwe explained, was a departure from the previously proposed privatisation route that was rejected after further public participation and legislative review.
He said the plan now is to let private operators bring in capital, expertise, and efficiency, while the government focuses on oversight and accountability.
“The sugar sector has drained billions from taxpayers over the years. Now it’s time we let strategic investment drive its transformation,” Kagwe added.
