By Okong’o Oduya
A Court has ordered the construction of west Kenya Sugar Industry at Olepito in Teso south Sub -County , Busia County to seize any operations within and around the factory until the case before High Court Justice A. Kaniaru is heard.
According to the lawyer representing the complainant Oye Ashioya the complainant filled the complain to court asking the court to stop any operations at the factory until it adheres to the requirements needed by Kenya Sugar Directorate, NEMA (National Envoronment Authority ) and other bodies needed in assessing the environment before it proceeds with construction.
The complainant Mr.Shaban Wandera who is also a farmer through his lawyer noted that the management of the factory has ignored the court order by proceeding with the construction and other operations within the factory.
“Despite the court order to stop further construction of the factory, nothing has been done. The operations are still going on contrary to the court order. Does that mean that West Kenya factory Management is above the law to ignore the court order? My client demand any activity within and around the factory to stop immediately,” Ashioya asked.
Addressing the media in his office Mr. Ashioya said if the west Kenya sugar management will adhere to the court order his client will be forced to ask court to intervene to stop further construction of the factory.
However Mr. wandera blamed the leadership of County Government of Busia for failing to address the issue saying the presence of the factory is harmful to people within and downstream of River Sio. He noted that the factory was erected in swampy area which he believes it is contrary to the environmental regulatory authorities.
Wandera said that for many years the area has been of great help to people around there who used to plant various crops including rice in the area as a means of earning livelihood.
He urged the National government, sugar board regulatory authority, attorney general and other stakeholders to intervene and find a solution to this.
“The leadership of county government is reluctant in addressing this issue. There is no way someone can violate the law and nobody cares. We are putting to task National government and all the bodies governing the sugar industry in Kenya to intervene and see to it that every member of this community get justice they deserve,” said Wandera
Wandera said that the management is yet to serve the court with any document to prove they are allowed to erect factory and continue with any operations in the area.
