Eliud Owalo calls for arrest of industrial sugar importers: 'Economic sabotage'
Presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in importing and repackaging industrial sugar for sale in the local market.
Owalo warned that the practice is damaging the sugar sector while exposing consumers to possible health risks.
'Economic sabotage' claims
Speaking at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God headquarters in Nyang'ori, Owalo said it was unacceptable for individuals entrusted with managing sugar companies to engage in what he described as economic sabotage for quick profit.
His remarks follow reports that some millers and traders are importing duty-free industrial sugar meant for manufacturing and diverting it into the retail market for household consumption.
Farmers bearing the brunt
Owalo said the alleged malpractice undermines regulations and places local cane farmers at a disadvantage by flooding the market with cheaper imports.
He pointed to the struggles of farmers in major sugar-growing regions across Western Kenya and Nyanza — including Mumias, Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony and Muhoroni — noting that many continue to face delayed payments, low returns and inefficiencies in milling operations.
Enforcement and sector reforms needed
The former ICT Cabinet Secretary said the sector's biggest challenge is not the lack of policies or legislation but weak enforcement and deliberate circumvention of existing laws. He referenced the regulatory role of the Kenya Sugar Board, saying frameworks governing sugar importation and distribution already exist but are often ignored.
Owalo called for independent investigations to determine the extent of the malpractice and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
He warned that continued inflow of poorly regulated sugar could threaten local industries and pose risks to consumers due to lack of proper quality controls.
Beyond enforcement, he urged structural reforms in the sugar sector, including better governance of milling companies and stricter oversight of importation processes.
Owalo added that reviving the sugar industry would be a priority under his administration, focusing on farmer protection, improved factory operations and strict enforcement of regulations to curb illegal imports.
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