This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
October 8, 2019, marked the beginning of a vicious war between two of Kenya's wealthiest sugar barons, Jaswant Rai and Raju Chate, in the sugar-rich region of Kisumu.
Rai, a billionaire with a vast business empire, has been accused of influencing the appointment of PV Ramana Rao, an Asian, as the receiver manager of Mumias Sugar by Kenya Commercial Bank. Rao's appointment is seen as a strategic move by Rai to acquire Mumias Sugar's nucleus and other assets.
Chate, on the other hand, is allied with Deputy President William Ruto and has been accused of poaching cane from Kibos Sugar by mounting a weigh bridge at its doorstep. The move is seen as a desperate attempt by Chate to maximize profits and gain control of the sugar industry.
At the heart of the sugar war is the control of the sugar industry, with both sides vying for dominance. The feud has reached a fever pitch, with both sides hiring high-profile lawyers, including Fred Ngatia, a lawyer for former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Tom Ojienda and James Orengo, to fight for control of the industry.
Observers have raised eyebrows over the financial resources being exhibited by the trio, with many questioning who is funding their legal battles. The sugar war has also raised concerns over the impact on the sugar industry and the local community, with many calling for a more competitive and transparent industry.
