Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga has reignited the sugar politics in Kakamega County after promising to resuscitate Mumias Sugar Company.

 Raila used his weekend tour of the county to pledge the revival of the one time East and Central Africa’s largest miller. “I talked to the investor who complained that the Kenya Power and Lighting Company had declined to restore electricity to the firm. I have intervened and there is already smoke. Mumias will be back to life in two months,” he said.

 The move meant to attract the sugarcane farmers, who form a huge chunk of voters in the county, has since intensified vote hunt between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

Deputy President William Ruto returned to the county yesterday in a bid to shore up Kenya Kwanza’s fortunes. Ruto and his fellow principals led by ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, sought to counter Azimio’s strategy which has endeared them to the residents.

Political leaders allied to the two outfits, and analysts, said yesterday that the sugar issue would be very critical to the outcome of the August 9 elections.

 “Mumias Sugar Company was the lifeline of thousands of Kakamega residents and its revival could determine the election results,” said Martin Andati, a political analyst.

Andati argued that the hunt for voters is big considering the fact the three Munias constituencies and Butere are affected by the closure. On the other end, he accuses both sides of the political divide for the company’s current state. “Raila’s promise has kicked up excitement in the county and this has forced Kenya Kwanza to the drawing board. That is why they have rushed back,” said Desterio Okumu, another analyst.