Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has asked government agencies and politicians to exercise caution in the fight against contraband sugar in the country.
Wa Iria suggested that the fight should not be aimed at manufacturers who use sugar for industrial purposes.He argued that some industries pass through thorough processes in ensuring quality before purchasing sugar, and unfairly targeting them will not only hurt them, but also hurt the country’s economy. "Let us separate the war on illicit sugar and sugar meant for industrial purposes. It is not only unfair but it is immoral to classify industrial sugar as illicit because some of these major companies don't trade in sugar for domestic use. Interfering with these manufacturers will hurt the economy in a big way," said Wa Iria as quoted by the Nation.The Governor argued that some companies like the Agha Khan Group, Kenya Cooperative Creameries and the East African Breweries, which he once worked for, require sugar for production purposes, adding that targeting such companies will negatively affect the country’s economy.He further differed with politicians who want the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) disbanded, arguing that the anti-graft body should be made strong and not dissolved."The President has set up institutions that are able to fight corruption in this country but we are interfering with the agencies on a daily basis which is not good for the country. We have come from a politicking period then to the “resist” movement and now the corruption hullabaloo; politicians should leave the war on graft to the relevant agencies and embark on development projects," said Wa Iria in Gatanga on Wednesday.