Treat Western like you treat Mt Kenya, Bumula MP Wamboka asks Ruto

President William Ruto at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for the 2jiajiri Graduation Ceremony. [Courtesy, Standard]

Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka has appealed to President William Ruto to treat the Western region just as he does to Mt Kenya.

Wamboka said as the president plans to tour the region next week, he should not only offer last solutions for the struggling sugar sector but tag along goodies in equal measure as to those he left in the central region.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Wamboka expressed his support for the President's visit while emphasizing the need to prioritise the fulfillment of his campaign promise to establish a new mill at Nzoia.

The President's two-day visit is scheduled for next week August 27 and 28 in Bungoma.

Wamboka said it is essential for the President to announce his administration's plans to complete stalled projects in the region that were left unfinished by the previous government including the Koica water project and the Musikoma-Mungatsi road.

"We anticipate the President's visit this week and extend a warm welcome. Our primary expectation is for him to deliver on his promise to establish a new sugar mill at Nzoia Sugar Company," Wamboka said.

The legislator further called upon Ruto to take action against the investors who took control of Mumias Sugar Company, asserting that their involvement has negatively impacted the factory's operations.

"The investors who were entrusted with Mumias Sugar Company have not succeeded. The President should swiftly address this situation and take action," he said.

While Wamboka acknowledged Ruto's past frequent visits to campaign and engage with voters before the general elections, he criticised the President for not visiting Bungoma as often since his election victory.

He emphasized that the region has various pressing issues that need the President's attention and action.

Ruto's schedule in Bungoma includes participating in interdenominational prayers at Kiwanja Ndege and officiating the opening of the new County assembly building, among other projects.

"I wish to remind the President that we eagerly await his visit, as we have numerous concerns to discuss. It's his duty as the President to listen and take action," Wamboka said.

He said the state must come up with proper financial mechanisms to support the sugar firms to roar back to operations and pay farmers dues.