Nairobi: Presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals implicated in the importation and repackaging of industrial sugar for sale in the local market. Owalo warned that the malpractice is crippling the sugar sector and exposing consumers to potential health risks.

According to Kenya News Agency, Owalo made these remarks while speaking at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) headquarters in Nyang'ori. He criticized the actions of those managing sugar companies, terming them as 'economic sabotage' for quick profit. Reports have surfaced that some millers and traders are importing duty-free industrial sugar meant for manufacturing purposes and diverting it into the retail market for direct household consumption.

Owalo stated, "If it is established that certain individuals are importing industrial sugar and repackaging it for sale to consumers, then they must face the full force of the law. That is outright criminality." He emphasized that this practice undermines regulatory frameworks and disadvantages local cane farmers by distorting the market with cheaper, unregulated imports.

He highlighted the struggles of farmers in key sugar-producing regions across Western Kenya and Nyanza, including Mumias, Nzoia, Chemelil, Sony, and Muhoroni. Farmers are reportedly suffering from delayed payments, low returns, and inefficiencies in milling operations. Owalo stressed the need to protect farmers by ensuring efficient operations in sugar factories and prompt payments upon cane delivery to rebuild confidence in the sector.

According to the former ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS), the problem facing the sugar industry is not due to a lack of policy or legislation but rather weak enforcement and deliberate circumvention of existing laws. He pointed out the regulatory role of the Kenya Sugar Board, noting that frameworks governing sugar importation and distribution are often ignored.

Owalo called for thorough, independent investigations into the allegations and urged enforcement agencies to determine the extent of the malpractice and hold those responsible accountable. He cautioned that the continued inflow of improperly regulated sugar could lead to the collapse of local industries and pose health risks to consumers due to inadequate quality controls.

Beyond enforcement, Owalo emphasized the importance of structural reforms within the sugar sector, advocating for improved governance of milling companies and stricter oversight of importation processes. "The survival of our sugar industry depends on restoring integrity in its management. We cannot allow cartels to dictate the future of a sector that supports thousands of households," he said.

Owalo's sentiments reflect growing concerns over the state of the sugar sector, which has struggled with mismanagement, debt, and competition from cheap imports, leaving farmers increasingly vulnerable. He added that reviving the sugar industry would be a priority under his administration, focusing on farmer protection, operational efficiency in factories, and strict enforcement of regulations to curb illegal imports.

"We must act decisively. This is about protecting livelihoods, safeguarding consumers, and restoring order in a critical sector of our economy," Owalo concluded.