Rai Group of Companies’ management has refuted rumours circulating on social media about the impending closure of their various companies and a purported plan to relocate outside Kenya.

On Monday, social media reports claimed that the company’s managers had been summoned to discuss the closure of several businesses, including sugar companies such as West Kenya, Olepito Sugar, Naitiri Sugar, and Ndiwa, as well as Menengai Oil Refineries Ltd and Rai Cement in Muhoroni.

Rai Group rejoinder

The rumours erupted weeks after President William Ruto made remarks believed to be directed at business mogul Jaswant Singh Rai.

In his statement, Ruto warned those fighting for the control of Mumias Sugar Company to withdraw all pending court cases and leave.

In response to the rumours, the Rai Group issued a statement denouncing these reports as unhelpful propaganda.

“The management at Rai Group of Companies wishes to inform all its business partners, stakeholders, including farmers, employees, the media, and indeed the general public that the information circulating on social media platforms, to the effect that Rai Group is closing down all its operations and is relocating to another country, is, to say the least, regrettable misinformation bordering on unhelpful propaganda coming at this time of severe economic challenges,” the statement reads.

The group emphasized its commitment to Kenya’s economic development and its role in the country’s growth through job creation and the provision of services both locally and internationally.

Rai Group to keep operating

“The Group remains an integral part of Kenya’s development agenda and will continue working with both levels of government and stakeholders at all levels to ensure that its goals and those of the country are achieved,” the statement affirmed.

It concluded by stating that Rai Group will continue to adhere to high standards of delivery, in strict compliance with regulatory, legal, and social expectations from its partners.