Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga Sunday called for a comprehensive investigation into the violent attack at Chemelil Sugar Academy, arguing that the incident is rooted in the ongoing turmoil surrounding the leasing of state-owned sugar factories rather than being an isolated criminal act.
Speaking in a statement on Sunday, Odinga said the June 18 attack, in which about 30 armed men allegedly stormed the school and assaulted pupils, staff and suppliers, leaving at least 10 people injured, reflected the growing tensions in the Nyando sugar belt.
She expressed relief that none of the school’s 457 learners was injured and commended police for their swift response, which led to the arrest of three suspects. However, she cautioned against treating the incident as ordinary thuggery.
“The attack did not happen in a vacuum,” Odinga said, linking it to an ongoing dispute over the management of the school’s accounts and fees, which she said stemmed from broader conflicts following the leasing of Chemelil Sugar Company.
She urged investigators to pursue not only those who carried out the raid but also those who may have benefited from the conflict that led to the violence.
Odinga also criticized developments at other sugar factories, particularly Muhoroni Sugar Company, where she claimed workers and farmers initially welcomed the leasing process but have since become disillusioned.
According to her, employment at the factory has fallen from more than 1,000 workers before the lease to about 300, contrary to transition guidelines requiring the retention of at least 80 percent of the workforce.
She further alleged that workers have been subjected to salary reductions, increased workloads and the exclusion of trade unions from engagement with management.
She called for an independent inquiry into reports of worker welfare concerns, including allegations that stressful working conditions have contributed to deaths among factory employees.
Odinga further alleged that sugarcane grown and milled in Kisumu County was being recorded and taxed in Kericho County, depriving Kisumu of revenue, while also raising concerns over unresolved land disputes at Koguta.
At Chemelil Sugar Company, she said workers had reported salary cuts of up to 60 percent, while farmers had complained that weighbridges were being manipulated to under-record the weight of their cane. She also claimed the factory was operating well below its installed crushing capacity.
She additionally referenced concerns surrounding the leasing of Miwani Sugar Company to Crossley Holdings but said she would issue a separate statement on the matter because it involves an ongoing and sensitive ownership dispute.
To address the situation, Odinga called for an urgent meeting bringing together the lessees, workers, farmers, parents and regional leaders.
She told the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture to address unresolved issues surrounding the leasing of state-owned sugar factories.
“The Transition Committee, whose mandate runs until June 2027, to audit staffing levels, assess compliance with worker retention guidelines and publicly account for unpaid terminal benefits.”
“A full, independent investigation into the Chemelil Sugar Academy attack, including its underlying causes and the interests behind the conflict,” she said.
Odinga maintained that lasting peace and stability in the sugar belt would only be achieved by addressing the wider governance, labour and community disputes affecting the region, rather than focusing solely on those directly involved in the school attack
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