President William Ruto has dismissed allegations by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka that the Ksh.150 million bonus recently paid to Mumias Sugar farmers was funded by taxpayers through the National Treasury rather than the sugar miller’s profits.
Speaking in Busia County on Thursday, Ruto expressed surprise at Kalonzo’s claims, emphasizing that the bonus was a direct result of reforms in the sugar industry and improved management of Mumias Sugar Company.
“There are leaders questioning why the government supported Mumias Sugar to the extent of paying bonuses to sugarcane farmers. Are sugarcane farmers not Kenyans? Tea and coffee farmers receive bonuses, yet when sugarcane farmers get theirs, questions arise,” Ruto stated.
Ruto dismissed the accusations, suggesting they stem from political malice. “These individuals have been influenced by negative forces. Where do tea and coffee farmers’ bonuses come from? It’s the same place sugarcane farmers’ bonuses come from,” he added.
He clarified that the funds did not come from the government but rather from the company’s improved business performance. “I promised we would implement proper management in these sectors, and now farmers are being paid from the company’s profits, not government funds,” Ruto reiterated.
Additionally, the President announced that the bonus scheme would be extended to other sugar millers, including Nzoia, Sony, Chemilil, Muhoroni, and Busia Sugar.
Ruto further criticized those questioning the initiative, accusing them of wanting to keep citizens impoverished for political gain. “They want people to remain poor so they can organize protests. Let’s forgive them,” he said.
Kalonzo had earlier demanded accountability from the government, questioning the source of the funds and accusing Ruto of bypassing due processes. However, Ruto maintained that the payments were legitimate and a testament to the success of reforms in Kenya’s sugar industry.
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