Political leaders from Western Kenya are held in a new stalemate with President Uhuru Kenyatta set to start a tour of the region on Sunday.
Investors have shied away from reviving the giant Mumias Sugar Company because of regional politics.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe revealed that last-minute talks will be held on Friday 30 July to thrash out differences before the arrival of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In the predominantly ANC and Ford-Kenya-controlled region, the leaders are afraid that Uhuru might speak in favor of a certain presidential candidate amounting to campaigning. Inasmuch as the leaders wish for the revival of Mumias Sugar Company and commissioning of infrastructure and other projects, the politicians are against Uhuru swaying the voters in a certain way that might undermine Moses Wetangula's and Musalia Mudavadi's leverage on the region's politic
ANC leader Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi is also a presidential aspirant and should Uhuru tie in his commissioning of development projects with politics then Mudavadi's power-base could be compromised.
President Uhuru Kenyatta met Western Kenya leaders to craft agenda for his visit to the region.
Earlier on at State House, Nairobi President Uhuru Kenyatta met governors Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Wilbur Otichillo (Vihiga), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), and Kakamega's Wycliffe Oparanya in attempts to air out the prevailing political jitters.
It will be difficult for Uhuru not to broach on the subject of politics but apparently, there'll be a need to exercise caution when endorsing the BBI or his Handshake partner.
Kakamega governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya is said to be exerting undue relevance to the president's visit and development record to the Handshake between Uhuru and Raila Amollo Odinga.
In the case of Mumias Sugar Company, Lugari MP Ayub Savula has called on President Uhuru to intervene with a bailout of Shs 4 billion and waive debts amounting to Shs 10 million which the Miller owes to Kenya Revenue Authority. As for the struggling Nzoia Sugar Company the leaders are calling for Uhuru's intervention to ensure Shs 700 million owed to farmers is paid up.
Ford-Kenya's Moses Wetangula and ANC's Musalia Mudavadi are afraid of being eclipsed by Wycliffe Oparanya during the presidential tour of Western Kenya.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe.
Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe has said that a meeting is scheduled for today among Western Kenya leaders to debunk the notion that Kakamega governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya is the Chief host in President Uhuru Kenyatta's tour beginning Sunday.
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