Governor Nyong’o Speaks After Snubbing Were’s Burial Amid Raila Rift Reports
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o denied on Friday, May 9, that he and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had a falling out over the plan to lease sugar facilities.
In a statement, Nyong’o stated that his opinion on the matter was consistent with Raila’s, stressing that both of them backed the government’s intention to lease important sugar mills to private investors.
However, Nyong’o appears to have emphasized the point of dispute, advocating for a fair and competitive procedure in the factory leasing plan.
“Recent media reports have created a false impression that the Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga and I are at odds over the leasing of sugar factories. This is not the case. We are fully aligned on this issue,” Nyong’o stated.
“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.
PRESS RELEASE
— Gov. Anyang' Nyong'o (@AnyangNyongo) May 9, 2025
Recent media reports have created a false impression that the Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga and I are at odds over the leasing of sugar factories. This is not the case. We are fully aligned on this issue.
Our shared position is clear: the government must exit the…
On Thursday, May 8, Raila declared his support for the government’s leasing proposal, claiming that it was important for economic growth.
The Kenya Kwanza government intends to lease four sugar companies: Nzoia, Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Sony Sugar.
The administration claims that this measure will resuscitate the firms and boost the fortunes of stakeholders, particularly workers and farmers.
Raila stated during a discussion with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe about improving the fortunes of the sugar sector that leasing would also help with food security.
“Discussions also centred around the strategic leasing of sugar mills, an effort aimed at revitalising the sugar industry and ensuring long-term sustainability for farmers and other stakeholders,” ODM Communication Strategist Philip Etale said in a statement soon after the meeting.
“Raila expressed keen interest and support for these reforms, recognising their potential to spur rural economic growth and food security.”
Raila’s attitude, however, countered that of his close ally Nyong’o, who described the action as an economic coup against farmers and the people of Western Kenya.
The governor criticized the leasing scheme, claiming it ignores essential players.
Nyong’o indicated that some of the companies involved in the leasing process were relatively new to the sugar industry, raising worries about their capabilities and objectives.
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President William Ruto began the proposal in May 2023, and it was later accepted by the Cabinet and Parliament.
The procedure has been overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, which has invited private investors to submit proposals.
This is not the first time Raila and his ODM lieutenants have publicly differed since the party reached an agreement with President Ruto to form a broad-based administration.
Previously, Nyong’o and Siaya Governor James Orengo voiced unhappiness with the two leaders’ agreement on devolution issues.
Governor Nyong’o Speaks After Snubbing Were’s Burial Amid Raila Rift Reports
