This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
On November 27, 2019, Sony Sugar managing director Bernard Otieno tendered his resignation to the Company's Board of Directors, chaired by former Migori MP Owino Likowa.
According to Likowa, Otieno opted for early retirement, which is an option available to public servants who have attained the age of 50 and above. Otieno himself confirmed the decision, stating that he had chosen to retire early.
However, Otieno's resignation comes after a tumultuous period at Sony Sugar. In April this year, the board sent him on compulsory leave over claims of embezzlement of funds. The decision followed a protest letter by the Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers, which alleged misuse of funds during Otieno's tenure.
Further allegations were made by the union's Deputy Secretary-General John Ogutu, who accused Otieno of failing to streamline Sony's finances. This came after 2,000 workers went on strike and held demonstrations in Awendo, Migori County, demanding close to Sh100 million in salary arrears.
