Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua is planning to spend up to Sh18 billion to achieve his goal of becoming President in 2022.

In an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday night, Mutua said the "expensive" affair will cost him at least Sh15 billion.

"It opens the way and I have my own cash ... I can compete on the same level as others," he said. "It is worth it because I'm not doing it just for me but for the people of Kenya."

The Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader noted, however, that having too much money can be bad for candidates.

"Anything you spend beyond that will not help. You need money to reach a certain stage," he said, adding the funds will be used to get Kenya from a dark age to a new era.

"That's the kind of money needed. It is worth it if you want to move this country to a new age. You have to do it. A time comes when you say that you are doing this for the people."

The Governor said he can beat Deputy President William Ruto as the next four years are "all about marketing". He noted that politicians win races not because of money but because of representing the people.

"People have seen that I am a man of my word. My presidential bid is not a way to get a government position in future," he added.

Regarding his chances of taking over from President Uhuru Kenyatta, he said he is bound to replace him.

"After I am done being Governor, what am I supposed to do? You need to declare your presidency bid early so people can see your mission and vision," he said.

Mutua has formed a team to strategise on his victory come that general election.

"Consultants from oversees are fashioning my campaign. I am very serious. Mutua puts his head in something and doesn't waver," he said.

"I'm not pushing myself ... it's the people. It's going to be a tight race. There are big boys like Ruto but I am confident. We need a paradigm shift."

The politician, who is serving his second and last term as Governor, has started visiting various counties to market himself ahead of the race.

Details on ambition: [VIDEO] 'Prepare for shock': Alfred Mutua announces 2022 presidency bid

Read: Fit for president in 2022? Alfred Mutua makes inroads in Rift Valley

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Opposition leader Raila Odinga has said he is ready for a lifestyle audit, days after President Uhuru Kenyatta declared that state officials must undergo this.

Raila noted on Tuesday that audits are good for his ODM party and Kenya.

"I am ready for it. We are no longer whistle-blowers. We will work with the government to execute the war against corruption," he told a delegates meeting in Mombasa County on Monday.

He added: "We remain in the Opposition and take the position that what is good for Kenya is good for ODM. A lifestyle audit is good for Kenya. We are in it fully."

Uhuru ordered the National Intelligence Service to audit public servants, including him and Deputy President William Ruto.

He said all state officers will be asked to explain the sources of their wealth and that all those found to have plundered public coffers will be punished.

More on this: Uhuru orders lifestyle audit of state officers, says will take lead, Ruto to follow

Also read: Kenyatta: Ruto and I to face lifestyle audit

Raila asked the government to hire international audit firms and experts to boost the war on graft. 

ODM is apprehensive that local authorities might be compromised.

Raila noted that a foreign firm helped unearth the Anglo Leasing scam.

"Corruption is on the rise, figures are mind-boggling, suspects are high and mighty," he said.

The Opposition leader also pointed out that corruption cartels are using alarm bells to shield themselves from prosecution.

"They politicise the war on corruption and scare the government [by claiming] we are agents of foreign masters," he said.

"ODM GROWING STRONGER"

Raila further allayed fears of a crisis in his party, following reports that the meeting was called urgently to discuss its future.

There had been confusion about its cohesion, the handshake', Raila's plans for 2022 and what to do about Ruto's inroads in opposition turfs. 

More on this: Raila calls urgent meeting over ODM's future plans

Also read: Expert comment: Raila’s 2022 run would ruin the handshake

At the gathering, the party leader told delegates that there was no need to panic as the gathering had been overdue.

"This is not an emergency meeting called to respond to some imaginary issues. It is a normal meeting. This party is not in panic mode. ODM is strong and growing stronger," he said.

The ODM boss, however, touched on the elections, noting the meeting came after they campaigned but refused to take part in the repeat presidential poll that the Supreme Court ordered.

"[IEBC] had refused to level the playing field and deal with irregularities and illegalities pointed out by the Supreme Court. The servers were open ... we saw the result of the the elections," he said.

As a result, he explained, they had three options - to take part in the repeat poll, go for mass action or choose dialogue.

"There were threats for my arrest and treason charges. There were two issues - treason and declaring sovereignty. Because of this, I thought it better to begin dialogue," he said.

NO 2022 TALK

The party leader further said that if anyone in the party wants to talk, it should not be about 2022 but the Big Four agenda on affordable housing, manufacturing, food security and universal healthcare.

Kenyans are tired of the type of politics that gives room for corruption, he said, adding: "Kenyans should refuse to be distracted by politics of succession."

Raila told the public not to worry about those politicking now as "they will find themselves behind" when the election period begins.

He noted that his MoU with Uhuru was aimed at ending the divisive politics that gripped the country after the August 8, 2017 polls.

Regarding opponents of the handshake, he said they are out to create confusion.

"They embrace the handshake, fight against corruption and unite in the morning while at night they oppose it. ODM is not in that league," he said.

At the meeting, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho also assured that the party was strong.

He said ODM will field a candidate the 2022 presidential race and that it will form the government.

“We have a lot of work [to do] to galvanise the party at mashinani level,” Joho said.

Related: Miguna rebukes preachers of 'artificial peace', says Raila a coward

Also read: Alfred Mutua to spend Sh18 billion on 2022 race against 'big boys like Ruto'

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Allies of Deputy President William Ruto have said they have no apologies.

Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua told his Nyeri counterpart Ngunjiri Wambugu to concentrate on his constituency. Laikipia North MP Sarak Korere said they would ensure Ruto becomes President.

“I have heard some of us are being referred to as ‘Tangatanga Squad’ [Loitering Squad]. I'll say without fear, we will move round the country until Ruto becomes President,” Korere said.

Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami said it is normal for elected leaders to “loiter” because they must meet voters.

The leaders spoke during the ordination of priests and deacons at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri town on Saturday.

Wambugu has criticised leaders for engaging in early succession politics. A post on his Facebook page has ruffled feathers.

“Today, I see my Kikuyu colleagues Tangatangaing [loitering] and rallying our region to support Ruto in 2022. I have just one question for them.

“#KimaniIchungwa, #RigathiGachagua & co; what demands have you made on William Ruto on behalf of our community, in return for our votes? Are those demands personal to your squad alone or do they include the rest of us?” he asked.

He said there are fears that the leaders are drumming up support for Ruto in the region for their own personal interests.

On May 30, President Uhuru Kenyatta threw a jibe at Ruto and publicly accused him of loitering across the country in weekend politicking.

In a surprise barb, the President said Kenyans should tell Ruto their problems when he is travelling around.

“Hii Kijana anaitwa Ruto unajua kila weekend anatangatanga kila pahali atakuwa anapitia hizi machoro choro mkiona kuna kitu inaenda kona kona mumwambie,” Uhuru said.

(“This young man called Ruto, you know, loiters aimlessly everywhere. He will be passing through these alleys, if you see something wrong happening, tell him.”)

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua would splash up to Sh18 billion in his 2022 presidential bid, rivaling wealthy billionaires who have thrown their hats in the ring.

Mutua on Sunday said he will unleash a strong financial war-chest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta after the next general election.

“That’s the kind of money needed. It is worth it if you want to move this country to a new age. You have to do it. A time comes when you say you are doing it for the people,” he said on Citizen TV.

The governor has moved to the Supreme Court, challenging a Court of Appeal decision to nullify his August 8 victory. He said he is aware a presidential run is an ‘expensive affair’ and would not cost less than Sh15 billion.

FOR THE PEOPLE

“It opens the way and I have my own cash ... I can compete on the same level as others,” he said. “It is worth it because I’m not doing it for me, but for Kenya.”

Mutua said he has what it takes to present a formidable challenge to his 2022 presidential opponents, including known wealthy politicians like Deputy President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga.

“I’m not pushing myself ... it’s the people. It’s going to be a tight race. There are big boys like Ruto but I am confident. We need a paradigm shift,” Mutua said.

CAMPAIGN CAPS

New campaign financing regulations formulated by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission last year caps presidential spending for a candidate at Sh5.2 billion.

Parties are supposed to spend Sh15 billion.

Parliament suspended the implementation of the regulations during last year’s general election to 2022, when the rules will be applied.

However, candidates usually ignore spending ceilings by the electoral commission.

The Maendeleo Chap Chap leader said he has assembled his campaign machine to lay ground for his bid. “Consultants from oversees are fashioning my campaign. I am very serious. Mutua puts his head in something and doesn’t waver,” he added.

The party leader, however, said pumping a lot of money into presidential campaigns can be counterproductive. “You need money to reach a certain stage,” he said, adding that he has the money to beat Ruto — the country’s foremost presidential aspirant.

Mutua said he will unleash his marketing and public relations skills to position his candidature to ensure it resonates with the wishes of the electorate.

Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu on Sunday said the county is not the place to dump contraband products.

She promised to stop cartels out to flood Kitui with products that threaten residents’ health.

Ngilu (pictured) on Saturday criticised the discovery of sugar laced with mercury in Kitui. The governor cautioned the residents against buying and consuming such products. “I would rather buy from well-known brands like Mumias and Sony,” Ngilu said at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Kabati, Kitui West subcounty.

She attended a funds drive to buy a bus for the Catholic Women’s Association. Ngilu visited a store in Kitui town where the contaminated sugar was impounded by police. She warned shopkeepers against working with unscrupulous dealers risking people’s lives.

The governor said the campaign against illegal products will be extended to brews.

She said the national government seems to have relaxed measures to stop sale of illicit alcohol. “I would rather have my people take tea without sugar or use our honey instead of poisonous sugar,” Ngilu said.

Ngilu said she is committed to deliver her pre-election manifesto on providing water and ensuring food security. She said she will improve healthcare, education and women and youth empowerment.

Two prisoners serving between 10 and 15 years imprisonment escaped yesterday morning from the Malindi GK Prison under what authorities said were unclear circumstances.

Jacob Deche from Kaloleni and Karisa Katana of Kilifi town reportedly escaped on foot moments after they were assigned their duties in the prison farms.

It is still not clear how they ran away in spite of surveillance in broad daylight.

One of the prisoners broke the news to the press by sending a text message. He said his colleague had fled due to torture and mistreatment from wardens after serving more than 10 years at the prison.

Journalists could not immediately confirm if the SMS was from the prisoner. After sending the message, the phone went off.

In the message the “prisoner” said they were being subjected to hard labour and torture.

“Juzi kuna wenzetu waligoma wakenda kuwatoa nguo uchi wa mnyama wakawapiga sana baada ya kujua kuwa waliambia wanahabari (Two days ago our colleagues went on hunger strike; they (officers) went and undressed and beat them thoroughly after realising they had leaked the matter to the media)”.

The inmate revealed that there are prison warders in the area who are notorious for torturing prisoners.

At the Malindi GK Prison there was tension as officers spoke in low tones.

Journalists were first informed that the officer in charge, Jonathan Mwavita, was holed up in a meeting with deputy commissioner of prisons and regional commander Joseph Mutevesi.

Mutevesi later confirmed the escape, saying he came to the prison after receiving reports of two prisoners missing from the facility.

Addressing a press conference at the prison, he said the circumstances surrounding their escape were still not clear.

However, he said they have launched investigations to bring the culprits to book. Disciplinary action against officers will be taken, he said.

He said the incident had taken them by surprise as it has never happened for long.

“The information we have is that they had left the prison for work,’’ he said.

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Deputy President William Ruto has told off critics of his frequent countrywide tours and harambees, especially for churches.

Speaking to religious leaders at Thika’s Blue Post Hotel on Sunday, Ruto did not reveal the source of his money, only telling his critics he is not bothered by scrutiny.

Read: Ruto says Uhuru aware of "tanga tanga" assignments

Also read: I have no apologies to make for being a hustler, says DP Ruto

Like President Kenyatta and other leaders, Ruto will be subjected to a lifestyle audit in the war on corruption.

“Wengine wananikashifu eti huyu anazunguka kwenye makanisa, eti ninatoa pesa pale na pale, sijui nini… Shauri yao. Mimi nina invest kwa mambo ya mbinguni. Wewe ukitaka kuinvest mahali pengine… si kila mtu ako na uhuru wa kuinvest pahali anataka?”

("Some people condemn me for going around, raising money here and there and in church. It’s up to them. I’m investing in heavenly matters. If you want to invest elsewhere, that is your right.")

“Kuna wengine wanainvest kwa mazishi…basi waendelee…. ama namna gani? Si demokrasia ni namna hiyo? …basi tuendelee.”

("Some people invest in funerals, let them continue. Isn’t that democracy? Let’s go on.")

ODM leader Raila Odinga has questioned the source of Ruto’s funds, which he has been donating in harambees across the country. Raila has also challenged his former deputy to take a lifestyle audit, saying he is living beyond his means, as his salary is known.

The opposition leader asked Ruto to stop campaigning across the country and instead focus on his job as Deputy President.

“Wacha kurandaranda hapa na pale, kutangatanga ati wewe utakuwa rais mwaka 2022.” ("Stop loitering around here and there, claiming you will be President in 2022.")

“How do you know [that you will be President?” It’s Kenyans who elect their President. Then you pour money here and there and then say ‘we do a lifestyle audit’,” Raila said.

But Ruto on Sunday, without referring to anyone, said he had done nothing wrong. He said he was happy to meet and work with religious leaders because he knows the value of doing so. “This is a good thing. No leader succeeds without the prophets. The President and I will not slow down on the development agenda,” he said at St Benedict Catholic Church in Ngoingwa in Thika.

HUSTLER

While Ruto has previously said he acquired his wealth by what he describes as hustling, questions regarding his wealth have persisted in the recent past.

It is well known that he has considerable interests in the hotel industry in Nairobi and recently at the Coast. He has been associated with Africa Merchant Assurance Company, Amaco, Easton apartments in Eastlands, flats in Ongata Rongai, some houses in Eldoret and tens of parcels of land countrywide.

According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the President and Deputy President earn monthly gross salaries of Sh1.4 million and Sh1.2 million, respectively.

Apart from Ruto’s allies, a section of ODM lawmakers and civil society groups have also raised Ruto’s activities. Yesterday Raila once again backed President Kenyatta’s decision to order a lifestyle audit starting with himself, his deputy, governors and all senior government officials.

Read : Uhuru orders lifestyle audit of state officers, says will take lead, Ruto to follow

Ruto has remained silent but in an indirect rejoinder, his ally Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi last weekend said Uhuru’s family should be audited, going back to Founding President Jomo Kenyatta.

Raila said he is ready for a lifestyle audit to assess how he got his wealth and urged the government to hire the services of international audit firms because local ones might be compromised.

He said foreign firms helped unearth the Anglo Leasing scam and therefore stand a better chance of doing a professional job on the audit. Raila spoke during his party’s NEC-Parliamentary Group meeting in Mombasa yesterday.

“Corruption is on the rise, figures are mind-boggling, suspects are high and mighty,” he said.

Raila said the county is tired of “politics, which gives room to corruption”. Kenyans should refuse to be distracted by politics of succession,” he said.

Raila told Kenyans not to worry about those politicking now, as “they will find themselves behind” when the 2022 electioneering period starts. Raila said corruption cartels are using alarm bells to shield themselves from prosecution.

“They politicise the war on corruption and scare the government that we are agents of foreign masters,” he said. “We have changed tack and assured the government we are together on this war. We are no longer whistle-blowers,” Raila said.

More on this: 'Hustler' Ruto returns to Kambi Kuku, motivates chicken sellers

Also read: GEMA nation won't make DP Ruto president, 'hustler' voters will - Mutahi Ngunyi

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To simply walk around the house is a strain for Catherine Nyambura, 23, but her struggles to do house chores make her courageous in life.

The single mother of one hobbles around her home in Limuru town, Kiambu county, multitasking. She moves on one leg to cook, serve food, drinks, take a bath, change clothes, wash utensils, make her bed and tidy up her sitting room.

Nyambura, whose son Ryan Kang’ethe is three years old, had to be amputated to heal because the disease she suffered from, cancer, would have cut short her life.

However, as she walks to visit her friend and do shopping or even to church with the help of crutches, she smiles and at times laughs long, saying God remembered she had not yet completed her mission on Earth.

Nyambura was diagnosed with cancer in her kneecap that affected her leg. Her problems started when she was in standard 8 at Limuru Model Primary School in 2010, when she fell on the playing field and her knee was fractured.

“I was playing with other girls, just like other children do. I fell down and felt a lot of pain. I was taken to Tigoni Subcounty Hospital by teachers. My mother came later at the hospital to check on and collect me. I had a fracture on my kneecap,” she remembers.

Nyambura says her leg was plastered for six weeks, and she would walk with the help of a walking stick. She thought she had healed, despite limping after the plaster was removed.

“You wouldn’t notice the limping, but I did. I thought I would limp for short period. Those who noticed my limping suspected I was bouncing or a boastful walking style because I was at the adolescent stage,” she says.

“I limped and I got used to it. I stayed like that for six years.”

MOTORCYLCLE ACCIDENT

Things became worse on May 9, 2016, when she was travelling on a motorcycle and was involved in an accident at Limuru town at the Makuti Market junction.

She says a car obstructed the road and the motorcycle she was travelling on hit the car. They fell down and her same knee was hurt again.

She was taken to Tigoni Subcounty Hospital, where an X-ray was conducted. Doctors found she had not been fractured by the accident, but they detected a growing lymph in her kneecap.

The doctors requested Nyambura to either visit Kijabe Hospital or Kikuyu Hospital, where she would get further check-up and treatment.

Kikuyu Hospital was her option, and her mother Esther Waceke took her there. She was referred to Precise Diagnostic Images Limited at Upper Hill to have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan conducted on her leg.

“It was conducted and we took the report back to Kikuyu Hospital for further check-ups and observations,” she says.

Nyambura got the shock of her life when doctors told her the MRI results indicated her knee suffered from Sarcoma Marignant Bone Tumor, or cancer of the knee.

“I only heard cancer disease with other people. I couldn’t believe my ears. My mother neither. But we had to accept so we could know what would follow to heal,” she says.

Doctors recommended 15 biopsy tests be conducted so they could establish if she would heal through chemotherapy or amputation.

She says 14 tests were conducted at Kikuyu, while one was conducted at a hospital in South Africa, where samples were sent to a hospital.

After two weeks, the results were released. They were called at Kikuyu Hospital and doctors told them Nyambura could heal through amputation, since the lymph was growing very fast and had destroyed her body tissues on the upper leg and lower part of the leg.

“I started wondering how I would be walking. I asked a lot of questions,” she says.

“When we went home, we had to start praying for God’s breakthrough in that process. I told myself to accept to start a new life, no matter how young I was.”

Members of her AIPCK Church, led by Archdeacon Paul Njenga, came and held a prayer service, and wished her well in her healing.

“Doctors also advised and counselled me a lot for two weeks. I called myself a meeting, and realised that people heal, and so I gained courage to face the whole process,” she says.

Read: As cancer rises, focus shifts to prevention

Cancer survivor Catherine Nyambura with her mother Esther Waceke and her son Ryan Kang’ethe at their home in Limuru town. /GEORGE MUGO

AMPUTATION AND HEALING

Nyambura was forced to have the amputation at another hospital, since Kikuyu charged Sh400,000, while others were charging almost half the price.

On August 6, 2016, she entered at Sunbeam Hospital in Kangemi Theatre, where her leg was amputated in 4 hours and 40 minutes for Sh200,000. She was observed for two weeks while in the ward, and thereafter, she was discharged. 

She returned to Kikuyu Hospital, where Dr Taabu Wasena took over to oversee her healing.

“I used to be treated by Dr Wasena. I would even call him on his phone to ask him questions about the disease, to inform him on my progress, to observe how I was healing. He is very helpful,” she says.

Dr Wasema also conducted a counselling session on Nyambura each Wednesday for three weeks, so she could face life with confidence and positively.

Kikuyu Hospital donated a prosthetic leg to her, but she couldn’t wear it before six months were over. But in that time, she had eaten a lot and gained a lot of weight since she was idle, forcing her not to use the prosthetic leg.

“I have 79kg. Before amputation I had 70kg, and after amputation I had 65kg. I’m struggling to get 60kg so I can start wearing the prosthetic leg — that is what I was advised,” she says.

Cancer survivor Catherine Nyambura with her son Kang’ethe at their home in Limuru town. /GEORGE MUGO

LATE DIAGNOSIS REGRETS

Nyambura says if she had known the six-year limping was due to cancer, she would not have been amputated but would have been treated instead.

“When I had an accident with a motorcycle, my son was only nine months old. He witnessed all I was going through. However, he was lucky since he had started eating solid food,” she says.

“However, doctors told me the lymph that had grown had stayed there for long and if it was noticed in good time, it would have been treated and I would have healed. I would still be having my leg,” she says.

“It is my advice to people not to disregard issues they feel and see in their bodies. They could be problems that could lead to loss of body parts or even life, if they are not checked properly.”

Nyambura says after amputation, biopsy tests were conducted and Dr Wasena told her there were no signs of cancer, confirming she had healed completely.

She says she can start a business if she gets funds, since she needs to support herself financially and educate her son.

Nyathuna Subcounty Hospital nurse Anne Njenga urges people not to disregard changes, marks as well as pains in their bodies, and ensure they get tested to establish their real problem.

“Whenever a disease is noted early enough, doctors are able to treat it completely. Some diseases, such as cancer, HIV-Aids, diabetes among others, need to be treated when they are detected, especially at their early state,” she says. 

“It is complicated when patients come to the hospital, when they have already grown, as by then they have destroyed the immune system and important tissues.”

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A multi-agency team investigating contraband sugar was contemplating last night the arrest of senior government officials, politicians and business people linked to tonnes of sugar impounded countrywide.

The team suspects that officials of the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Bureau of Standards conspired with owners of the companies used to import the sugar, sources have told the Star.

Already 25 people have been arrested across the country and will arraigned in court today.

Yesterday, the man leading the crackdown on sugar and counterfeit goods Wanyama Musiambo said the sugar impounded in Eastleigh, Nairobi; Machakos; Ol Kalou, Nyandarua; Bungoma; Kitui and Meru is worth Sh1.8 billion.

The latest raids were in Meru, Nakuru and Eldoret yesterday when KRA officials seized 3,000 bags of contraband sugar at a godown in Meru town and another 400 bags in Nakuru.

Meru county commissioner Wilfred Nyagwanga said the sugar imported from Brazil, was being repackaged into bags labelled to indicate it was sourced from Zambia.

In Eldoret police impounded more than 12 tonnes of suspected contraband sugar at a warehouse belonging to a leading chain store in the North Rift region.

Read: Matiang'i at war with contraband traders selling 'chemicals, poison' to Kenyans

The officers and KRA officials intercepted a truck laden with 50kg bags; it was being offloaded to the warehouse owned by a supermarket.

There have claims that some of the sugar is contaminated with mercury and copper.

The recent crackdown on contraband sugar team has sent shock waves through the sugar industry, leading in a daylong stakeholders meeting in Nairobi yesterday.

Farmers have welcomed the crackdown, arguing that it could direct public attention at what they term as an intentional attempt to sabotage cane farming.

The Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Association, a lobby with nearly 100,000 members, praised the crackdown but said it should only be the first step in cleaning up the industry.

Lobby CEO Francis Waswa said the duty-free window was designed to allow cheap imports to flood the market for the benefit of a few elite politicians and businessmen at the expense of farmers.

“Normally imports are at around 200,000 tonnes annually but last year alone there were almost one million tonnes imported. State-owned sugar millers usually pay Sh80-100 per kilo of sugar but the imports come in at Sh30 per kilo. It's a free market without regulation and the tribunal died with the repeal of the Sugar Act in 2015. We have no recourse.”

Once there were more than 600,000 Kenyan farmers, but now there are fewer than 100,000. Mills  should be crushing 35,000 tonnes of sugar cane daily but now they only crush 3,000 tonnes, Waswa told the Star in an interview.

Farmers say laws should be enacted to help farmers sell their cane in the face of cheaper imports.

Sugar directorate acting head Solomon Odera was stuck in a daylong meeting about the ongoing crackdown on counterfeits. "Am in a meeting with stakeholders. We have a crisis in the industry so give me a couple of minutes,” Odera said when reached for comment.

Also read: Expert comment: Stop these uncontrolled sugar imports, people are suffering

PRIVATISE

Faced by perennial losses, the government has decided to  privatise five sugar millers —SoNy, Muhoroni, Miwani, Chemelil and Nzoia.

But the move has faced stiff opposition from Western Kenya leaders who instead want them bailed out by the government.

Privatisation Commission acting CEO Jacqueline Muindi told the Star yesterday that there was no specific date when the process is expected to be completed.

“Stakeholder negotiations are still going on but it has now gone political and we have to cater for all political interests. There is no expected completion date yet,” she said.

TUSSLE

The seven-month-long battle between importer Darasa Investments and the Kenya Revenue Authority has provided insights into the intricacies of the sugar business.

Darasa sued the taxman in December to stop a Sh2.5 billion tax demand for a 40,000 tonne sugar consignment it had imported two months earlier.

The suit is now lodged in the Supreme Court, where Darasa is seeking to stop the tax demand.

The firm said its sugar was shipped in from Brazil when the national Treasury had opened a window for duty-free imports of the product from the South American country.

But KRA has filed documents indicating that Darasa could have altered import documents to show that the sugar was from Brazil, when it was instead from Dubai.

Darasa has said the sugar was loaded onto a vessel, the MV Iron Lady, and shipped to Mombasa.

But the revenue collector said it has evidence from the United Arab Emirates Federal Customs Authority and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce indicating that Darasa's sugar was produced by Al Khaleej Sugar Company — the world's largest stand-alone sugar refinery.

“Take notice that this court will be moved...that the KRA be granted leave to lodge the attached affidavit and annextures containing communication from the UAE Federal Customs Authority showing that the MV Iron Lady was on October 17, 2017, loaded with 40,000 tonnes of brown sugar, produced by Al Khaleej Sugar Company; contrary to Darasa Investment's assertion that the sugar originated from the Brazilian port of Santos on July 15, 2017,” the KRA said in court papers.

While the suit between Darasa and the taxman is yet to be concluded in the Supreme Court, the proceedings provide a glimpse into the depth of the scheming that ends with the import of contraband sweetener.

More on this: Western miller boss arrested in probe of contraband sugar

Also read: Arati backs war on corruption, claims MP behind contraband sugar

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Migori Senator Ben Oluoch died at MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi on Monday night.

Oluoch had been suffering from throat cancer and had been treated at places including India. His body was taken to Lee Funeral Home.

Richard Solo, who is former North Kamagambo MCA and the manager of Oluoch's office, said the Senator will be missed as he was a dedicated leader.

Oluoch, a former radio journalist, surprised his opponents when he won the August 8, 2017 election as he had not been campaigning actively.

While receiving his certificate from the IEBC at Migori TTC, he jokingly said: "I congratulate my worthy opponents ... as you can see I have lost weight."

He succeeded Wilfred Machage who opted to vie for the Kuria West parliamentary post.

Oluoch's victory was attributed in part to his popularity as Ramogi FM morning show presenter and his closeness to Governor Okoth Obado.

When he spoke to the Star on March 1 while receiving treatment in India, he said he was doing well and that he was still performing his duties.

Oluoch asked residents to work closely with their leaders to ensure development after the heated elections season.

“Despite being sick, he continued to manage his office and often sent leaders to represent him at major social functions,” Solo said.

Residents started asking questions when Oluoch missed Nasa's last rally, before principal Raila Odinga's swearing-in, on January 26.

“He skipped the rally in Homa Bay because he had sought treatment in India. He went there for the second time before going to MP Shah,” Solo said.

Raila explained the Senator's absence at the Opposition's rallies in the county.

On March 1, during the Migori county devolution forum which the Senator missed, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita told residents that his treatment had been going on well.

“I know there has been the complaint that our Senator is unavailable. On behalf of MPs in Migori, I inform you that Oluoch is unwell,” Nyamita said.

By phone today, the MP termed the Senator's death a big loss for the county.

"He was a leader who embraced all his colleagues and never quarreled with any of them because he loved peace," he said.

It was reported in May that nine MPs and four Senators were among thousands of Kenyans being treated for cancer in Indian hospitals.

The identity of the MPs could not be revealed but most of them were booked at Apollo Hospital outlets in New Delhi and other cities in the country.

Baringo South MP Grace Kipchoim, former Ganze MP Joseph Kingi, Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua and former ministers David Mwiraria and Gilbert M'Mbijiwe are some of those who died from cancer.

MPs once asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare cancer a national disaster and inject more resources into research, screening, prevention, treatment and cure.

Read: 13 Kenyan MPs being treated in India for cancer

Also read: Declare cancer national disaster, establish fund

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 Leaders from Western Kenya have said cheap contraband sugar will ruin the region’s economy and plunge it into crisis.

Huge amounts of illegal sugar have been discovered in diff erent parts of the country, further threat- ening the ailing sugar industry. Th e uncontrolled illegal importation has sent leaders, farmers and unions in the sector into a panic.

An estimated 10 million people depend directly or indirectly on sug- arcane farming. The industry employs more than 20,000 workers permanently and on contract, the Kenya Sugarcane Plantations and Allied Workers Union secretary general Francis Wangara said.

Mumias sugar has already an- nounced plans to lay off 900 employees as part of restructuring.

“What is happening is dangerous for the economy of Western coun- ties since traditionally every employed person supports 10 others. Death of the sugar industry will spark a crisis,” Wangara said.

Western leaders are afraid the situation could lead to total shut down of the sector, triggering the worst economic crisis ever.

Top millers Mumias and Muhoroni are closed due to unpaid bank loans and inadequate supply of cane. Jobs for thousands of employees are at risk.

The sector faces also faces unprecedented poaching of cane by rival millers and failure by state- owned companies to pay farmers. MPs Ayub Savula (Lugari), Tindi Mwale (Butere), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) and Justus Murunga (Matungu) have demanded stern action by the government to permanently end sugar imports.

Other leaders who have expressed concern are Hurry Wamubeyi (member of the Luhya Elders’ Forum) and Ibrahim Juma, chairman of Kenya National Federation of Sugarcane Growers.

“As leaders from this region we’re worried that the sugar industry is headed for collapse. We are urging the government to pump more resources into state- owned sugar companies so they can produce more since the Comesa bloc lacks enough supplies,” Savula said.

Wamubeyi asked elected leaders from Western to work together to safeguard the sector to avoid an imminent economic and social crisis.

Mwale said corruption is to blame for illegal imports. He wants the government to arrest and charge the big fish involved in corruption instead of diverting attention by crucifying small fry.

Wangwe said the government should address illegal sugar importation with the same zeal it fought illegal importation of macadamia.

“As members of the Agriculture committee, we have summoned the management of West Kenya this Thursday to shed more light on illegal sugar discovered in their warehouses in Webuye on Wednesday,” Wangwe said.

At least 100, 000 metric tonnes of illegal sugar were impounded in Eastleigh, Nairobi, a week ago. Another 2, 450 tons of contraband sugar worth Sh250 million was discovered in a warehouse belonging to Rai Paper in Webuye on Wednesday.

More on this: Contraband sugar worth Sh250 million found at Rai Paper

Also read: 'Does Rai Paper deal with sugar?' West Kenya answers Wangamati

Another 2, 000 bags were impounded in Matuu in Eastern on Saturday. Savula said crime is already on the rise as many workers at Mumias miller were laid off .

Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli asked the government to shut down all millers operating illicitly. But Juma rejected Atwoli’s suggestion.

“You can’t talk of closing all non-state millers because that would create more joblessness within the sugar belt,” he said.

Juma said the sorry state of the sugar sector threatens stability of the region as over 300, 000 cane farmers have lost livelihoods.

The millers are unable to pay them and the market is saturated with cheap imports. Juma asked the government to protect the subsector to avert an imminent crisis.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has said the illegal sugar imports could be a scheme by a segment of the Kenyan leadership to cripple Western economy for political reasons.

Read: KRA, Kebs officials face arrest over Sh1.8 billion contraband sugar

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I'm investing in heaven, you can invest in funerals, Ruto tells critics

Deputy President William Ruto has told off critics of his frequent countrywide tours and harambees, especially for churches. Speaking to religious leaders at Thika’s Blue Post Hotel, Ruto did not reveal the source of his money, only telling his critics he is not bothered by scrutiny. READ

Who are the owners of the contraband sugar?

A multi-agency team investigating contraband sugar was contemplating last night the arrest of senior government officials, politicians and business people linked to tonnes of sugar impounded countrywide. READ

Bitter Sugar: Sorry state of sugar sector spells doom for Western economies

The recent discovery of illegally imported sugar into the country in Nairobi, Webuye in Bungoma county, Matuu in Machakos and other parts of the country spells doom for the ailing sugar industry. READ

Is City Hall hiring parking boys to extort extra fees from motorists?

City Hall refutes claims of engaging parking boys to extort extra fee. According to City Hall Inspectorate Director Peter Mbaya said the department is well organized and has not asked for backing up from parking boys. READ

Courage of a woman who beat late cancer diagnosis

To simply walk around the house is a strain for Catherine Nyambura, 23, but her struggles to do house chores make her courageous in life. The single mother of one hobbles around her home in Limuru town, Kiambu county, multitasking. READ

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A British aristocrat family yesterday expressed their dissatisfaction with a delayed ruling on their son’s death.

Alexander Monson, 28 at the time, was the son of Nicholas Monson. He died six years ago in police custody a few hours after he was arrested at a club in Diani, Kwale county.

His family blamed the death on police brutality. They want two officers who arrested and detained Alexander held responsible and charged with murder. A postmortem showed Alexander suffered injuries to the body and scrotum.

But the officers denied having a hand in his demise and a judicial inquiry was launched.

The police, through the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, said Alexander died from a drug overdose. They said he had narcotic drugs at the time of his arrest.

Six years later, the family is still searching for justice.

Yesterday, a judgment was to be delivered, but this did not happen. Senior principal magistrate Richard Odenyo was expected to deliver the verdict. However, the court heard it had not been typed.

Alexander’s mother, Hillary Monson, said her hopes were high because she expected to finally get justice for “our only son”. She said it has been a long journey and the adjournment was a blow to them.

Odenyo said the final decision had been written but could not be delivered. The Judiciary guidelines require all judgments typed to make it easy for litigants to read and understood, he said.

Odenyo directed the family to propose a new date. This was then set for June 28. The ruling will vindicate or incriminate the police.

Alexander had developed breathing problems and was admitted to Palm Beach Hospital.

During the inquest, a British doctor testified that Monson was hit with a blunt object. Jason Payne said the injury damaged his brain.

“A report from the pathologist showed the death was caused by a brain trauma inflicted by a blunt force,” he said.

Payne said after reviewing clinical possibilities based on the evidence, he found the timeline of Monson’s alleged unconsciousness as a result of drugs was not consistent.

“The timing of the injury on the head cannot be specified, but it would be between 3am-3.30am on the morning of May 19, 2012,” he said.

Payne said Monson would have been saved had the police rushed him to hospital in good time.

His position differed with a conclusion in one of the medical reports indicating the head injury was unlikely a result of baton strikes.

But an administrator at the Palm Beach Hospital where Monson died gave contradicting evidence stating that Monson may have died of a drug overdose.

Justus Kamina, a prosecution witness, said Alexander was admitted at 11am and died less than 12 hours later.

He said Alexander was chained to a bed in the hospital’s general ward while unconscious. He was guarded by two armed plainclothes officers.

The ambulance that transported Alexander was fully equipped but lacked a medical doctor or a nurse who could have offered assistance beyond mandatory first aid, Kamina said.

A medical attendant from the hospital told the inquest Alexander could barely breathe as she raced to give him first aid at the police station.

Nurse assistant Saumu Hamisi told the court Alexander’s pulse was weak, breathing shallow and he was foaming at the mouth. She said his eyes were half-open and he did not respond when called.

Embu senator, woman representative and the Majority leader have expressed concern over rampant rape, defilement and murder cases.

Senator Njeru Ndwiga, Woman Rep Jane Wanjuki and majority leader Michael Njeru said they are saddened by the reports, especially those involving children.

Some elderly women have been raped and killed.

The three leaders spoke separately, condemning the perpetrators of the crimes and asking the police to arrest them.

They urged residents to share information that will lead to the arrest of suspects. Families have been known to hide family members who are criminals. Ndwiga warned that they may be attacked by the criminals they seek to protect.

He accused the police of laxity and criticised short sentences imposed by the courts.

The senator added that those found guilty of sexual offences, sale of drugs and illicit alcohol should be punished harshly.

“These crimes are not ordinary. Consumption of illicit brew and drug abuse have turned youth into criminals,” Ndwiga said.

He added that illicit liquor and bhang are sold in Embu, while the police, chiefs and their assistants do little to prevent it.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has warned his officers against focussing on 2022 succession politics and ignoring services.

Kibwana said that since this is his last term in office, many employees may want to make alliances with those who might take over from him.

The governor spoke at the county prayer breakfast in Wote town on Monday. He said such plans would derail his development plans and hurt his legacy.

He was responding to concerns by county assembly speaker Douglas Mbilu.

Kibwana asked the clergy to pray for those who will come after Kibwana not to ruin the strong foundation he had laid. “Some of us whose terms are not ending might be tempted to start focusing on our next jobs or political plans,” Mbilu said. He added that the governor must watch out for such employees.

Kibwana said for counties to succeed, politicians must be ready to offer servant leadership.

“If we don’t review our leadership and make political parties true vehicles of people’s representation, we will not be making any progress,” he said.

He urged Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be keen “as we pick the next heads and get true servant leaders”.

Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau, Woman representative Rose Museo, Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo, Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu and Kilome’s Thaddeus Nzambi were present.

The FlySax aircraft that crashed killing all 10 passengers on board and crew was diverted to the JKIA upon the request of the company.

The National Assembly Transport and Public Works committee was yesterday told three passengers were to catch another flight at the airport.

Professional negligence and poor communication between the crew and air traffic controllers in Eldoret had been cited as possible reasons for the plane crash in the Aberdares three weeks ago.

The Transport team chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing questioned Kenya Civil Aviation Authority MD Gilbert Kibe.

Read : KCAA to release FlySax crash report on Thursday

The MPs asked why the pilot was not directed to change altitude after the plane was diverted from landing at Wilson to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The plane was enroute to Nairobi from Kitale and was being flown by Captain Barbara Wangeci.

Kibe told the committee FlySax requested the air traffic control tower in Eldoret to change the route.

However, even with the pilot being cleared to fly at 13,000ft, she chose to retain the initial flight height at 11,000ft.

“Why they could not fly above that is subject to ongoing investigation,” Kibe said.

Elephant Hill, where the plane crashed, is said to be above 12,815ft.

The members urged Kibe to explain why even after the crew chose to remain at 11,000ft, the KCAA could not provide professional and technical guidance. MPs Chris Wamalwa (Kimini), Peris Tobiko (Kajiado East), Tom Odege (Nyatike) and Isiolo Woman Representative Rehema Jaldesa were present.

Also read : All 10 bodies recovered from Aberdare plane crash site

They asked why the plane was not diverted to the JKIA through other routes since such a plane is prohibited from flying beyond 14,000ft.

Usually, an aircraft from Kitale airstrip would fly through Eldoret, Njoro and Kajiado route.

Kibe said air conditions at the JKIA were unfavourable for the plane to follow the usual Ngong Hills route.

The traffic controllers instructed Wangeci to fly over the Aberdare Forest.

Transport ministry chief investigator Martyn Lunani said a report of the crash will be out tomorrow and will be made public.

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The owners of Westgate Mall have been blocked from registering their Sony Holdings name as a trademark for aspects of business already booked by Japanese electronics giant Sony Corporation in Kenya.

High Court Judge Francis Tuiyott has ruled that Sony Holdings can only register their name as a trademark for four classes – 12, 16, 25 and 4 – which do not clash with the Japanese Sony’s registered trademarks.

The classes Tuiyott allowed Sony Holdings to register for are vehicles, paper and cardboard products, clothing and legal services.

While Justice Tuiyott’s ruling may appear to be a win for both sides, it has dealt a huge blow to Westgate Mall’s owners as they have been barred from registering their Sony Holdings trademark for real estate purposes, which is their core business.

Other than Westgate, Sony Holdings is a co-owner of Rahimtulla Towers in Upper Hill, one of Nairobi’s tallest buildings.

WELL-KNOWN?

Sony Holdings is owned by Alex Trachtenberg and Vishiali Madan. They had also sought to register their name as a trademark at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute for classes 35, 36, 37 and 39 which relate to advertising, insurance, monetary affairs, real estate affairs, construction and transport.

“In the end, this court can only fault the assistant registrar’s final determination in regards to marks under classes 35,36,37 and 39. Consequently the decision of the assistant Registrar of Trademarks dated June 5, 2015 under these classes is set aside.

The marks under classes 35,36,37 and 39 shall not proceed to registration,” Tuiyott ruled.

Sony Corporation had appealled against the registrar of trademarks’s decision to allow the Westgate Mall owners to register their parent firm’s name as a trademark for all eight classes.

PERCEPTION

Tuiyott agreed with the registrar of trademarks’s stand that the Japanese multinational failed to prove it is a well-known brand in Kenya.

He said if Sony Corporation had filed evidence to prove it is well known, it would have won the entire case.

“The trouble, however, is that in the absence of proof presented by the parties or matters which the court can take judicial notice, the assistant registrar and this court cannot draw a conclusion from its own personal perception,” Tuiyott said.

Kenyans are opposed to the plan by the government to compel all employees contribute up to one per cent of their salaries to National Housing Development Fund.

This is after details of the Finance Bill, 2018, which Treasury CS Henry Rotich tabled in Parliament came to fore, revealing employees will be deducted one per cent of their gross salary every month or a maximum of Sh5,000.

Employers will also have to pay similar amount for their workers every month, a move that is likely to further raise the cost of labour.

“An employer shall pay to the National Housing Development Fund in respect of each employee in his or her employment subject to a maximum of Sh5,000. The employer’s contribution at one per cent of employee’s monthly gross emoluments and employee’s contribution at one per cent of gross monthly earnings,” reads part of the Bill. It however contradicts what CS Treasury said while reading budget statement last Thursday.

“In order to promote development of low-cost housing for Kenyans, I propose to amend the Employment Act to provide that an employer shall contribute to the National Housing Development Fund, in respect of each employee in his or her employment 0.5 per cent of the employees gross monthly emolument subject to a maximum of Sh5,000 while the employee will contribute 0.5 per cent of their monthly gross earnings,” Rotich said.

After launching the Public Private Partnership projects disclosure portal yesterday, Rotich said deductions are capped at 0.5 per cent, adding the bill will be reviewed and deductions harmonised.

“The National Housing Development Fund will work in a similar fashion to any pension fund. We want Kenyans to consolidate funds which can enable them build low cost houses of up to Sh1.5 million. It will go a long way in resolving housing deficit in the country,” d Rotich said.

Some Kenyans are, however, opposed to the government’s initiative which is anchored on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s agenda on housing. Kenya is targeting at least 500,000 housing units by 2022.

“This is an absurdity. I can’t afford to purchase a house or take a mortgage but Rotich wants to take another one per cent from my salary and without provision or explanation as to how I benefit from this scheme. It is immoral and unethical,” Twitter user Mercy Rurii said.

Global icon Oprah Winfrey is among 350 celebrities and notables who will accompany former US President Barrack Obama to Kenya on July 16.

Obama and his guests will attend the launch of Sauti Kuu, his half-sister Dr Auma Obama’s NGO, in K’Ogelo, Siaya county.

The one-day visit is tightly scheduled.

Read: Former US president Barack Obama to visit Kenya on July 16

Also read: Obama to give keynote address at the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

Before they head to K’Ogelo, Obama, his family and Oprah will pay a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta and meet Opposition leader Raila Odinga in a tightly scheduled one-day visit.

It is understood that State House is considering honouring Obama for the role he played in putting Kenya on the world map.

Sources close to the family told the Star yesterday that Obama’s team will include professionals, celebrities, philanthropists, clergy, activists, top lawyers, businessmen, diplomats and friends.

Although the visit is being treated as a top secret for security reasons, the Star got an exclusive sneak preview of the star-studded entourage. Oprah — a darling of many TV viewers in Kenya and the world — has indicated her interest in running for President of the United States on Obama’s Democratic Party. She will be visiting Kenya for the first time.

The media mogul’s fortune hit a record $4 billion (Sh400 billion) on Monday to make her the first black woman entrepreneur on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a ranking of the world’s 500 richest people. She’s at 494.

Most of her money comes from ownership of the Oprah Winfrey Show, which had a 25-year run. The founder of her own cable network, Winfrey just announced a partnership with Apple Inc to produce original programmes and content.

Through her South Africa-based Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, in its 10th year, the media mogul and self-made billionaire is developing leaders to play key roles in Africa.

In an exclusive interview with Forbes Woman Africa, Oprah Winfrey talked about where it all started — in Mandela’s home where she spent 10 days and shared 29 meals with the statesman and pledged to build a school for girls and invest in the people of South Africa.

MUTHAIGA TOURNAMENT

Oprah will accompany Obama to his father’s rural home of K’Ogelo and attend a charity golf tournament in Muthaiga for the new NGO, the Sauti Kuu Foundation.

Well-known businessman and golfer John Simba is to play a round of golf with Obama.

The former US Preident is to travel to South Africa to deliver the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg on July 17 .

US-based Senegalese musician Akon is also in delegation, together with Zimbabwe’s music maestro Oliver Mutukudzi who will be travelling with his daughter Samona.

Others in the entourage are NBA Africa senior director Will Mbiakop and billionaire Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote.

“The family wanted to make it a private launch [of the NGO] but they were to be informed that due to Obama’s status it was a state visit,” a State House official said.

More on this: Obama a state visitor, might not go to Kogelo, says Mama Sarah

Related: Plans to open Barack Obama University in Siaya hit a snag

BUSINESS LEADERS

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga will host Obama where musician Suzanna Owiyo will sing.

Tim Jahnigen, founder of One World Futbol and Laila Alawa, the CEO and founder of The Tempest, are also in the entourage. One World Futbol designs soccer balls that last.

Inspired by the suffering of children in Dafur, The One World Play Project, which manufactures and distributes the One World Futbol, was founded in California in 2010 to manufacture, sell, and donate the balls.

The Tempest tells the stories of diverse millennial women.

Obama's delegation includes renowned global business leaders. They include Axel Bachmann, the general manager for sustainability at Coca Cola; Markus Baumann and the group company secretary the Union Bank of Switzerland.

Others are Barbro Ciakudia, vice president for business development at Invest Africa; and Vik Bakhru, a physician, entrepreneur and currently CEO at ConsenjoSano.

The firm specialises in venture-backed health technology that simplifies and lowers the cost of care.

Invest Africa is a private investment club based in Mayfair, US, that identifies opportunities and channels capital and expertise into Africa.

The delegation also has a host of celebrities and sportsmen: Ingo Anderbrügge, a retired German footballer; Wang Bing, regarded as a foremost documentary filmmaker; and Sarah Berghorst, the executive director of OneGoal.

The Chicago-based organisation offers an innovative, three-year college persistence programme that identifies, trains and supports effective teaching in high school.

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Police have linked the poisonous sugar being impounded around the country to a company owned by a billionaire businessman from Eldoret.

At the same time, West Kenya Sugar has denied any link to the semi-raw sugar that has found its way into the market before being processed for human consumption.

Managing Director Tejveer Rai yesterday issued a statement denying that the sugar impounded in different parts of the country is part of its imports.

He said the company was willing to provide any assistance to on-going investigations and had voluntarily allowed the anti- counterfeit multi-agency team to inspect its facilities at the Kakamega factory and depots in Nairobi, Nakuru and Webuye in Bungoma.

Read: 'Does Rai Paper deal with sugar?' West Kenya answers Wangamati

Also read: Tests will confirm Kabras Sugar is top quality, West Kenya says

Last week, security agents recovered sugar in the godowns of Rai Paper — formerly Panpaper Mills — in Webuye, which is a sister company to West Kenya and Sukari Industries. The company later issued a statement saying the sugar was being stored awaiting testing in its plant which produces the Kabras brand.

Police in Kisii yesterday impounded 15, 000 kilograms of contraband sugar from distributors and traders in the area. Area OCPD Francis Nguli said that they netted 105 bags of 50 kilograms, another 85 of 25 Kg and 400 packets of 2 kg each during the impromptu raid.

Addressing the press in his office the impromptu operations to get rid of sugar that is not fit for human consumption will continue.

“Today we have managed to impound 105 bags of 50 kilograms, another 85 of 25 kgs and 400 packets of 2 kgs from traders and distributors in Kisii Town,” Nguli said.

He said that the successful operations is being undertaken by officers from Kenya police service, AP, CID and the office of the County commissioner.

He said that they have since arrested for suspects whom he said they are considering to free on a police cash bail pending the probe.

On Monday evening the police confiscated 185 bags of suspected contraband sugar from Kisii Discount Stores owned by Harikrushna Bhanubhai Patel who they freed on police cash pending investigations.

In the latest seizure, Police in Kisii yesterday impounded 15,000kgs of contraband sugar from distributors and traders and arrested several people.

On Monday, 185 bags were nabbed from Kisii Discount Stores owned by Harikrushna Bhanubhai Patel. Police believe the sugar that has been seized is part of the imports by Amnav Ltd, pursuant last year’s window for importation of powder milk and sugar to bridge the deficit caused by prolonged drought last year.

Correspondence from the Kenya Bureau of Standards, shows that Amnav was among four sister companies allowed to import sugar duty-free contrary to claims by top government officials, among them Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and IG Joseph Boinnet, that the sugar was smuggled into the country.

Boinnet, together with the head of the multi-agency team on counterfeits, Wanyama Musiambo, visited DCI headquarters to inspect 2,000 bags of sugar nabbed by police at a go-down in Eastleigh.

They claimed that the sugar was smuggled into the country by unscrupulous traders who did not pay taxes and who knew that the products that they had imported were unfit for human consumption. Matiang’i later revealed that tests by the Government Chemist on the contraband sugar had revealed traces of mercury and copper and that the sugar was not fit for human consumption.

On May 11, 2017, National Treasury CS Henry Rotich had through a Gazette Notice allowed importation of sugar and milk without paying duty.

The government also authorised importation of 9,000 tonnes of milk powder by milk processors with the authority of the Kenya Dairy Board.

“The drought and famine in parts of Kenya is a national disaster, duty shall not be payable for the following items,” read the gazette notice, which provided for importation between May 11 and July 31.

On August 4, three days after the period lapsed, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) responded to a request by Amval Ltd to import brown sugar from the Kingdom of Swaziland.

More on this: KRA, Kebs officials face arrest over Sh1.8 billion contraband sugar

In a letter dated March 4 addressed to the import inspection firm SGS, the Kebs director of quality assurance Eric Chesire authorises the importation on condition that it be bagged at the port of entry in bags “marked with pre-entry information and transported to their factory for processing before being packed in the bags that are compliant with the relevant standards.”

The factory referred to is West Kenya.

In his letter to SGS’s Andrei Koval and copied to the managing director of Amnav Ltd, Chesire directs the company to “undertake inspection and testing of the sugar and issue a certificate of conformity if the sugar complies with the requirements of KSEAC 749:2010” except for packaging and labelling.”

He adds: “In addition, kindly note that the sugar will be subjected to further processing at West Sugar Company Limited and Sukari Industries Ltd after importation to ensure that the final product released to the market complies with the hygiene requirements of the standard.”

Police sources told the Star yesterday that investigations had revealed that none of the above guidelines to the importers were followed, leading to the flooding of unprocessed sugar in the market.

They said only a few bags of the imported sugar had been taken to the factories for processing and the rest of the semi-processed sugar had been released into the market without certification. But West Kenya denied any connection and said they support the crackdown.

“We enthusiastically commend the ongoing eff orts by the various government agencies that are working to clamp down on these illegal traders. We support all genuine eff orts to ensure that the culprits of such acts are brought to book,” Rai said.

He disclosed that last year, the applied for and was licenced to import bulk brown sugar by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) due to the extended drought experienced in Kenya in 2016-2017 causing retail prices for sugar to shoot up.

“In view of the exceptionally reduced supply of cane available from our preferred local farmers caused by that drought, West Kenya Sugar Company Limited along with several others, imported sugar which is undergoing testing,” the company said.

“Importation of sugar involves Pre-Export Verification of Conformity certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards who work with international quality assurance companies to certify that the sugar conforms to Kebs standard,” Rai said.

Highly placed sources told the Star that four companies, all linked to the same traders, had imported nearly one million bags. Amnav, according to police sources, was entitled to import 34,100 bags of 50kgs.

The three other companies also brought in a similar number of bags. Security agencies have been put on alert across the country to search and recover the sugar. Hundreds of bags have been recovered from godowns in Nyahururu, Nairobi, western Kenya and Mombasa.

Related: Expert comment: Stop sugar imports, they're killing Western economy

More on this: Randomly sample and test all sugar, MoH tells counties

DEFICIT

Trade in sugar has been transformed into a gold hunt because of consumption that surpasses the national production. Local production capacity stands at 600,000 tonnes per year against a consumption of over one million tonnes.

Last year, production fell to a record low of 377,126 tonnes, with most factories out of operation due to heavy debt.

The situation has worsened with the closure of Mumias Sugar, which at its peak accounted for 50 per cent of the sugar industry market share.

The window allowed 971,212 tonnes of sugar imported, a drastic increase from 290,256 tonnes in 2016.

The Agriculture and Food Authority has licensed 233 firms to import sugar, including food, pharmaceutical, drink and confectioneries manufacturers like Bidco, Kevian, Trufoods, Patco, Coca Cola, Nanasi Limited and Glaxosmithkline.

While the shortage has been largely blamed on drought, it is also the results of farmers’ abandoning cane growing due to low and delayed payment and the collapse of factories due to competition from cheap imports. Rai Paper Mills came alive in 2016 when the Rai Group bought the collapsed Pan African Paper Mills (Pan Paper) for Sh900 million.

The paper mill and its assets were valued at Sh18 billion, but its debt load of Sh10 billion and its uncertain future were not attractive to investors.

With lenders baying for Pan Paper’s blood, the government struck a deal to pay short-term lenders Sh400 million to stop them from auctioning the mill’s assets. Among its largest creditors were the World Bank’s lending arm IFC (Sh2.5 billion), Deutsche Bank (Sh1.8 billion), PTA Bank (Sh682 million) and the East African Development Bank (Sh317 million).

In 2009 the firm was placed under receivership. At the time of its sale to the Rai Group, Pan Paper had not been in operation for 11 years. Th e Rai Group also owns RaiPly which manufac- tures chip boards, ceilings, blo+ck boards, parquet and wooden tiles and polythene bags for sugar companies.

It also has a stake in Menengai Oil, West Kenya Sugar and Sukari Industries in Kenya and Kinyara Sugar Works in Uganda.

The Rai Group is a family-owned business. Its patriarch is Tarlochan Rai. His sons Jaswant, Jasbir, Sarbjit and Iqbal Rai co-own the business empire. When Rai Paper Mills resumed operations in December 2016, it had 500 employees but the number was expected to grow to over 2,000.

Rai Paper Mills’ predecessor, Pan Paper, was the heart and soul of Webuye town in its heyday.

The mill employed thousands and helped hundreds of other businesses thrive in the town.

Also read: Matiang'i at war with contraband traders selling 'chemicals, poison' to Kenyans

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