Sugarcane farmers in the West Kenya Outgrowers Company (WEKO) held their first annual general meeting after 17 years.
In a move that is set to restructure the crumbled giant cane farmers’ company within the western region, the new office is hell bent on ensuring that all their assets confiscated by the miller West Kenya and a splinter group from the Outgrower company are returned to them as the bonafide holders.
The officials are now accusing the (Kabras) West Kenya Millers for their down fall after they allegedly instituted a rebellion by offering cash to a splinter group within WEKO leading to its folding and eminent grounding.
The blame also falls on the current Malava Mp Malulu Injendi for siding with the miller in 2017 when they tried to revive the organization.
The annual general meeting held early this month brought on board representatives from both the county and national governments and zonal farmer’s representatives.
The outgoing chairman’s speech exposed a lot of rot that remains unaddressed with the farmers bearing the brunt of losses as the miller laughs all the way to the bank.
Bernard Lukavo, a former employee of West Kenya Sugar Company (driver) and now a farmer representing Shinyalu zone, raised concerns on allegations of tampering with sugarcane weight at the cost of the farmer.
He stated that with the revival of WEKO, they will push for the weighing exercise to be done within the farmers land to allow the farmer record tonnage before the tractors proceed to the factory.
Tom Sakwa, representing Butali Chegulo farmers, said it was now time for the farmers to stand out and be counted. He added that they were going to ensure they also enjoy bonuses and other benefits like tea and coffee farmers within the country.
Manda Shivanga Zone represented by Mama Peninah, said since the collapse of Weko, the roads within her zone had become impassable despite the farmers being deducted Cess monies per harvest which is then remitted to the county government. “With our revival, we will put pressure on the miller to rehabilitate the roads considering that they are the main users of the same.”
The East Kabras representative Timothy Chiluyi said it was time the union was revived with leaders with integrity and who cannot be easily compromised by the miller. He also noted that the factory management was interested in splitting the farmers union so that they cannot be held accountable o matters touching on the farmers.
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The now retired OCS said it was time the union came up with a strong team that will inquire, and find solutions to cane issues affecting the farmers despite also creating jobs for the locals through the union and miller.
He blasted the Western leaders for keeping quiet on cane pricing issues where the miller is at liberty to control cane prices to his advantage.
Zachariah Muyumba, the union’s executive secretary, said that for the last 20 years, cane farmers have had no benefits from the cash crop but had hope that the new office was on point to bring sanity in the trade.
Daniel Ondenyi who did not attend the Agm but confirmed his handing over of the chairmanship mantle via phone call to the meeting through speaker phone, supported the new office move of reviving the union to assist the farmers.
Incoming chairman, Joseph Indumuli, called on the Malava sub county Mca’s to be on the forefront to ensure the Cess monies from the two millers, running in millions, deducted from the farmers and submitted to the county government is returned to develop the area.
The call for the revival of the union comes in the wake of West Kenya Sugar Company Limited (WEKSCOL) retirees demanding for over Ksh.88Million of their retirement benefit from the Sacco.
By Wakhungu Andanje.
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