[President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Rai Group official and Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa during official commissioning of the firm. Photo/Courtesy]
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has told off Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, over claims that Webuye Rai Paper Mills is not operational.
Khalwale had claimed that Jubilee government's launch of the plant was a public gimmick to woo the region's votes.
Speaking at Malava when he accompanied Deputy President William Ruto for a rally, Wamalwa said the plant was using new technology as opposed to the previous one.
"The previous operations used to be known through the emission of smoke. Khalwale came at his usual kuku joint of Mama Sarah at Kaburengo and when he was eating, since the place is a good view of the Rai Mills, he could not see a smoke," Wamalwa said.
"Let him visit the plant and see operations for himself. It is operational and over 500 people have been employed," he added.
He assured that a second line of the Mills would be launched in the plant.
"The first line is operating and soon the second one will be launched. I want to invite Khalwale also to join us,’’ Wamalwa noted.
The Rai Group pumped about Sh24 million for the renovation works of the Webuye-based firm, producing between 50 and 60 tonnes of paper per day.