MP WASHIALI TO WAMATSI: YOU ARE AN ORDINARY CON MAN.

Story By James Ashitiva in Mumias East. 

Politics of who bears the biggest responsibility in the collapse of Mumias Sugar yesterday dominated a funeral service and a church function in Mumias East Constituency. 

Immediate former Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali who is also area MP, was attending the burial of Mr. Nawate and shared a platform with Mr. David Wamatsi who has declared to run as MP in 2022.

The burial of Mr. Nawate whose son has declared his interest in politics in Munga'nga turned political when the area MP who spoke last said Wamatsi, his former helper was "the thief" that sold shares that lead to the death of MSC.

David Wamatsi, a business man and a contractor at KETRACO in his speech threw barbs at the leadership of the Constituency accusing the MP of being selective in distribution of CDF funds. 

Mr. Wamatsi, a one time Personal Assistant to the MP the days when Mumias Sugar was being looted by the Evans Kidero administration, said he was running to offer alternative leadership.

"I am not contesting to look for money, I'm interested in raising the living standards of the people here who for 15 years have suffered" He said.

Another contestant for the seat Peter Salasya alias PK waded into the debate saying he would like to seek answers right from two former MP's, Wycliffe Osundwa and the late Elon Wameyo on why they allowed "Small boys like Wamatsi to temper with farmers shares"

Mr. Salasya widely dismissed as a village wag and a joker raised laughter when he said he needed to pray for both former MP Osundwa and honourable Washiali in whose hands things started getting messy at the Sugar company

When the government privatized Mumias Sugar, hundreds of farmers were duped into selling their shares at throw away prices a thing that is blamed for the present widespread poverty. 

Most of the brokers who engaged in share business became overnight millionaires buying cars, expensive beer and building houses. 

As the MP concluded his speech, he sought to remind those present that Wamatsi was one of the brokers who dupped locals to sell their shares as the company went down. 

"On the Mumias Sugar matters, all of us know if there is anybody whose name is engraved on the tomb of MSC amongst locals it is David Wamatsi, he made millions stealing from gullible poor farmers" The MP said amidst wild cheers.

"One day, just one day we will ask you to give us your bank statements, I am sure we will have cheques drawn from sale of shares of our people maybe this will stop you from posing as an angel when you go to funerals" Washiali told Mr Wamatsi on his face amid cheers. 

The collapse of the Sugar Company and the ranging debate on who played what role is bound to shape or kill the political future of some of the leaders in the run up to the 2022 elections.

Honourable Benjamin Washiali was MP when the Evans Kidero administration killed the farmer's voice MOCO on the pretext that the same was siphoning money meant for farmers and said it was better fur the company to deal directly with the farmer.

Mr. Wamatsi at that time was an erand boy of the MP and his link ma
n to myriads of contracts, cheques said to be meant for Mr. Washiali surfaced but addressed to mr Wamatsi's company name.

It is widely claimed Dr. Evans Kidero used to channel millions to the area MP and other conduits using Mr. Wamatsi's accounts claims that have been roundly condemned and denied by the MP.

Mr. Washiali has occasionally denied reports saying he took on the Kidero administration alone while Wamatsi has always avoided discussing if he was used as a conduit by the then powers.

ENDS.

NEXT ISSUE: The story of David Kembu Wamatsi from share business, rags to instant overnight riches.