Ruth Odinga Links Chemelil School Attack to Sugar Mill Dispute, Calls for Full Investigation

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has raised concerns over the recent armed attack at Chemelil Sugar Academy, saying the incident should not be viewed as an isolated act of criminality but as part of deeper conflicts surrounding the sugar industry in the region.

Odinga condemned the attack, which occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2026, as students were returning to school after their midterm break. She claimed that a group of armed individuals stormed the institution, attacking pupils, staff members, and suppliers. At least ten people were reportedly injured, although no student suffered serious harm.

The legislator praised the police for responding quickly, leading to the arrest of three suspects, but insisted that investigations must go beyond the immediate attackers.

Odinga Calls for Investigation Into Chemelil School Attack

In a statement released on Sunday, June 21, Odinga argued that the raid was connected to a wider dispute involving the management of Chemelil Sugar Academy, including disagreements over control of school accounts and fees.

She said the incident was linked to ongoing tensions following the leasing of state-owned sugar companies and demanded a deeper investigation into the individuals and issues behind the conflict.

According to Odinga, arresting those who carried out the attack would not be enough unless authorities also investigate the people who may have benefited from the dispute.

She called for a comprehensive probe into the relationship between the new management at Chemelil Sugar Company and surrounding institutions and communities.

Concerns Over Sugar Sector Workers and Farmers

Odinga also highlighted wider challenges affecting workers and farmers in Kisumu’s sugar-growing areas.

She claimed that employment numbers at some sugar factories have dropped significantly, with workers allegedly facing salary reductions, increased workloads, and difficult working conditions.

She further raised concerns over reports of trade unions being excluded from discussions and called for an independent review of workers’ welfare.

At Chemelil Sugar Company, Odinga said employees had reported salary cuts and questioned whether the current operations were delivering the economic benefits that residents expected after the leasing of sugar mills.

Farmers Raise Revenue and Cane Payment Concerns

The Kisumu lawmaker also pointed to complaints from farmers over cane weighing and payment systems.

She claimed some farmers had raised concerns that cane produced in Kisumu was being recorded and taxed elsewhere, potentially affecting revenue received by local communities.

Odinga said such issues required transparency and accountability to restore confidence among farmers, workers, and residents of the sugar belt.

Calls for Stakeholders’ Meeting

Odinga urged the government to organize urgent discussions involving sugar mill lessees, workers, farmers, parents, and local leaders.

She also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to address unanswered questions surrounding the leasing of public sugar companies.

The legislator further asked the Transition Committee overseeing the reforms in the sugar sector to review staffing levels, ensure compliance with worker retention guidelines, and provide accountability on outstanding employee benefits.

She warned that without addressing the underlying disputes affecting the sugar industry, similar conflicts could continue to emerge in the future.