A Siaya County resident and blogger, Gordon Opiyo, has accused Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga of frustrating an American investor in the county. The investor, Calvin Burgess, owns Dominion Farms Ltd, which employs hundreds of residents.
According to Gordon Opiyo, Governor Rasanga is looking forward to the end of the 12-year lease period so that Dominion Farms can leave the county. Opiyo was reacting to a story carried by K24 TV where Rasanga is seen saying the investment had little benefit to local people.
Dominion Farms Ltd owner, Calvin Burgess, claims he has been facing eviction threats and violence after he refused to finance Raila Odinga's presidential campaigns. Burgess also alleged that Raila's sister, Ruth Odinga, declined to pay for rice that the company supplied to her five years ago.
Context ¶
The farm, which is the only foreign investment in Siaya County, provides direct and indirect income for more than 200 residents around Yala swamp. Calvin Burgess has also claimed that local MCA, Leonard Otieno Oriaro, is being used by Raila to frustrate him.
Calvin Burgess has stated, "Ms Ruth Odinga pressed us hard to become a dealer in a prime location in Kisumu and we gave in. She took the rice and is yet to pay for it five years later".
Response ¶
Gordon Opiyo has written, "I just wish that the remaining 12 years rush so that Dominion Farms can leave," Raila henchman Cornel Rasanga speaking about the institution that is the largest employer in his County. Opiyo criticized Rasanga's stance, highlighting the benefits of the farm to the local community.
Consequences ¶
The situation has led to concerns about the impact on the local economy and the welfare of the residents employed by the farm. The allegations of violence and intimidation against Calvin Burgess and his employees have also raised concerns about the safety of investors in the region.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nation,Tuko.
