Ruto to Kalonzo: Sugar farmers’ bonus comes from profits, not Treasury

President William Ruto has refuted allegations by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka that the Sh150 million bonus paid to Mumias Sugar farmers came from the National Treasury, terming the claims as unfounded.

Kalonzo, speaking on Wednesday after a Wiper National Executive Council meeting in Karen, Nairobi, demanded accountability from the government regarding the source of the funds.

He questioned whether the bonus had followed due process, stating, “If it is a bonus, it needs to come through the due process in terms of profit, but that is not the case.”

He further alleged, “We know the funds are from the exchequer. We need accountability, and we are not going to allow this!”

Responding on Thursday during a tour of Busia County, Ruto expressed surprise at Kalonzo’s statements, defending the bonus as a result of improved business operations within the sugar sector.

“There are leaders asking why the government supported Mumias Sugar and enabled sugarcane farmers to receive bonuses. Are sugarcane farmers, not Kenyans? Tea and coffee farmers receive bonuses without questions, but when sugarcane farmers do, people start raising unnecessary concerns,” Ruto said.

Criticising the opposition, he added, “These people are influenced by the devil. They are asking where the money for sugarcane farmers’ bonuses is coming from. Where does the money for tea and coffee bonuses come from? It’s the same source.”

The president explained that the funds were generated from profits due to reforms in the sugar industry, ensuring proper management of sugar millers.

“Where the money for coffee and tea bonuses comes from, that is where the money for sugarcane comes from, so all farmers are treated equally,” he said.

Referring to Kalonzo, Ruto said, "This watermelon guy is questioning this—does he have a sound mind when evaluated?" I want to tell him that when management is done correctly, farmers get paid, not by the government but by the companies themselves.”

Ruto assured that Mumias Sugar was not the only miller benefiting from these reforms, noting that other sugar companies across the country would soon begin paying bonuses.

“It’s not just Mumias. Nzoia, Sony, Chemelil, Muhoroni, and Busia sugar companies will also start paying bonuses. These leaders want citizens to remain poor so they can organise protests. Let us forgive them,” he said.

The president reiterated that his government is committed to strengthening Kenya’s sugar industry to ensure farmers benefit from their efforts without relying on state funds.

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