Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has opposed plans to privatise Mumias and Nzoia Sugar companies.
Speaking on Saturday at a prayer function in the Malava constituency, Khalwale said the land owned by the sugar mills was donated by the Luhya community.
He said they will not allow the government to sell the little they have in the sugar economy adding that what they want is government to address what ails the sugar industries.
"Mimi kama Kiongozi wa jamii ya waluhya. Babu zetu walipeana 12,500 hectares of Mumias Sugar company na wakapeana 24,500 hectares of the Nzoia sugar company. If you privatise, someone will go away with our ancestral land. Sisi hatuezi unga mkono. We cannot," he said.
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"This is not out of disrespect for the president and the government. That is the little we have in the economy of the sugar industry."
Khalwale said the government should be focused on averting the importation of cheap sugar because it kills the economy of the operating factories.
"If the problem is to fix issues in the sugar industry, do what you are doing and deal with the importation of cheap sugar."
He implored DP Rigathi Gachagua who was present at the function to have a talk with Ruto over the matter.
He said his contribution to the sugar industry is what earned him votes.
"Naomba ukirudi Nairobi, Ujue ya kwamba sisi hapa kitu enye ilifanya Ruto akubalike hapa ni kwa sababu alitupatia machine ya factory yasukari ya Butali. Wakati nazungumza mambo ya Ruto kuhusu miwa watu wanaamini," he said.
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