Kisumu activist Boniface Ogutu Akach has announced he will be starting a second hunger strike soon, this time round to protest against what he terms as continuous human rights violation by Kibos Sugar factory.
The activist accused the factory of polluting the environment with ‘unprecedented impunity’, despite the numerous complaints by members of the Kibos community.
“I know this is a David versus Goliath battle but as a human rights defender and a responsible citizen, I will not stand by and watch a cartel backed by some politicians continue to violate and intimidate residents who dissent. An entire generation is being wiped out and their voice is being ignored,” Akach posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o visited the sugar factory and gave it a clean bill of health as far as waste management is concerned.
“The industry which has a well-constructed lagoon for treatment of effluents contrary from the daily propaganda on pollution of Kibos River, has been operating in a hostile business environment, due to bad politics and incitement from local leaders,” said the governor.
Akach hit the headlines in April last year after he went on a hunger strike at the Kondele roundabout along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway, in solidarity with lawyer Miguna Miguna who had been deported to Canada.
He said he will announce date and venue for his second hunger strike soon after he is done with preparations.