In a powerful and direct critique, Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has taken aim at President William Ruto's government, accusing it of the intentional destruction of Western Kenya's sugar sector. Speaking from Ingavira village in Malava sub-county, Kakamega County, Malala did not mince words, describing the government's plan to lease out major sugar millers as both "ill-advised and malicious." His comments, delivered to a local audience, underscore a growing political tension over the future of a vital economic lifeline for thousands of families in the region.
Malala's criticisms extend beyond just the leasing plan. He has also voiced concerns that the government is abandoning the very farmers who depend on the sugar sector for their livelihoods. This sentiment resonates deeply in an area where the sugar industry is the primary economic driver. By focusing on the plight of these farmers, Malala positions himself as a champion for the local community against what he portrays as a neglectful national policy.
The former senator also used the platform to address other pressing social issues, including what he perceives as a worrying rise in extrajudicial killings, particularly those targeting young people. This concern links his economic critique to a broader appeal for social justice. In a related vein, he challenged President Ruto to move away from what he calls a culture of offering handouts for empowerment. Instead, Malala urged the government to establish concrete, structured job programs for the nation's unemployed youth, offering a vision for long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
