Our caucus is an economic platform and not political, say western MPs

Leaders from Western Parliamentary caucus tour Mudete Tea Factory in Vihiga County where the wanted to establish the problems affecting the factory, they also toured Mumias Sugar Company on May 4, 2015.  [PHOTO/Benjamin Sakwa/STANDARD]

The new Western Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) leaders yesterday toured two factories in Vihiga and Kakamega counties on a fact-finding mission.

The lobby group sought to know the problems bedevilling the factories that are seen as major employers in the region.

The 34 MPs from the counties of Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Trans-Nzoia were on a tour of the region as part of their second retreat since the launch of WPC last month.

They toured Mudete Tea Factory in Sabatia and Mumias Sugar Company in Mumias East constituencies, which have been facing challenges that threaten productivity and their continued survival.

Speaking at Sosa Cottages in Vihiga County, WPC Secretary and Malava MP Malulu Injendi said said they have adopted a clear plan in a bid to guide legislators on matters development in the region.

"After lengthy deliberations, WPC has adopted a plan to guide us on our agreed collective mission in pursuit of a prosperous economic, socio-cultural and political destiny of our people in western Kenya,'' said Mr Malulu.

The lawmakers also said they will visit industries in the entire region in a bid to find lasting solutions to the ailing agriculture sector in the region.

WPC Chairman and Nambale MP John Bunyasi said the retreat was not political but economical.

common interests

"This is a caucus serving the region's interests and our collective interest. No one's interest in being advocated or pushed at WPC. We decided to begin our joint efforts as legislators and with time, we shall expand WPC and when we make that decision, our colleagues in the Senate and other levels will join," said Mr Bunyasi.

He added, "We have economic interests for the region but we don't discuss specific investors. Instead, we hope to create a conducive atmosphere within the region for investors."

Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba said the initiative was meant to allow MPs to play an active role in improving the welfare of the residents.

"The trigger for this process was the national assembly. We are open to help this process grow and in the fullness of time, in my own humble view, everybody is going to be part of this process," Mr Namwamba said.

Namwamba said the Caucus was open to other leaders, aspiring politicians and stakeholders in the region to contribute and tackle issues together.

"We have no problem with our governors and senators. People should not look at WPC with suspicion. They should look at it as a seed that can grow into something bigger," said Namwamba, who is also the ODM party secretary general.

In three weeks' time, the caucus is scheduled to visit factories in Bungoma County that include Nzoia Sugar Company and the collapsed Pan-Paper Mills in Webuye.

The members include Boniface Otsula, Benjamin Washiali, Mary Emase, Reginalda Wanyonyi, Dorcus Kedogo, Alfred Agoi, Yusuf Chanzu, Andrew Toboso, Dan Wanyama, Emmanuel Wangwe, Johnson Naicca, Lisamula Anami, Wilbur Otichillo, Alfred Sambu, David Were and Charles Gimose.