Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged President William Ruto to cancel the lease of the Nzoia sugar company, arguing that it was done without the consent of the farmers.

Natembeya emphasised the importance of listening to the voices of the people and called for the government to reverse its decision to allow the Rai Group to manage the Nzoia sugar company, citing a "bad history" with the group.

“The president should not ignore the farmers’ concerns. This lease contract was executed without their approval, and it should be canceled,” stated Natembeya.

He accused Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of supporting the 30-year lease of the Nzoia sugar company, claiming that this deal would be detrimental to sugarcane farming in the region.

Natembeya backed Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o's strong opposition to the leasing of sugar companies to private individuals by the government.

Natembeya criticised Wetangula and Mudavadi for their insensitivity to the struggles faced by sugarcane farmers.

He alleged that the two leaders were acting in their interests by supporting the lease of the Nzoia Sugar Company to an Indian businessman, Mr Jaswat Rai.

“Wetangula and Mudavadi are to blame for the challenges facing sugarcane farmers. They agreed to the leasing of Nzoia sugar, which is a con deal and a plot to undermine sugarcane farming in the region,” declared Natembeya.

While speaking in Cherangany, Natembeya continued to criticize Wetangula and Mudavadi for ignoring the hardships faced by sugarcane farmers.

He asserted, “These two leaders are insensitive to the plight of our farmers. They have aligned themselves with the government to undermine the region's economy.”

Natembeya argued that leasing sugar companies would lead to the collapse of the sugar industry and worsen poverty in the area.

“The government’s decision to lease sugar companies is a scheme to destroy the sugar industry in our region and increase poverty among our people,” he said.

He noted that he has joined forces with MPs from Bungoma County, including Kabuchai’s Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula’s Jack Wamboka, to advocate for the rights of sugarcane farmers.

Natembeya alleged that the Rai Group fears competition and is attempting to control the sugar industry.