Calm has returned to Koguta in Muhoroni Sub County after a consultative forum brought together community leaders and West Valley Sugar Company Limited (MUSCO 2025), ending a land dispute that had recently turned deadly.

The conflict, rooted in a long-running ownership row over prime sugarcane land, has simmered for years but flared up in mid-March into violent confrontations between locals and individuals linked to the sugar firm.

Verified reports indicate that at least one person was killed in the latest clashes, with several others injured, some struck by arrows, while homes and company property were also destroyed in retaliatory attacks.

Additional incidents around the same period left more people injured and one reported missing, underlining the volatility of the situation.

The violence drew concern from leaders, who warned that continued unrest was undermining livelihoods and threatening the stability of the region’s sugar economy.

In response, a high-level dialogue was convened today, bringing together Koguta community leaders from Koru/Muhoroni Ward and the company’s management. The forum created space for grievances to be aired and solutions explored.

Kisumu County Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the outcome.

“Peace is not optional; it is the foundation upon which development, investment and shared prosperity must stand,” he stated.

Participants strongly condemned the loss of life and destruction witnessed, calling for restraint and a shift toward peaceful coexistence.

The talks broke the stalemate, with both sides agreeing to a structured and lawful process to address the land dispute, protect livelihoods and restore stability.

Also present were CECs Kenneth Onyango (Agriculture) and Dr. Charles Konyango (Lands), alongside County Attorney Wakili Otieno Aluoka, who helped steer the negotiations.

With a clear roadmap now in place, Koguta turns a new page, offering renewed hope for unity, justice and the revival of confidence in the sugar sector.