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Thousands of Tana River residents held a demonstration at Garsen to protest against Tana and Athi River Development Authority (Tarda) and Mumias Sugar Company's plans to establish a sugar factory in the area.
Carrying placards, the demonstrators, mainly drawn from the pastoral community, marched from the Tana delta to Garsen town where they were addressed by several elders opposed to the project.
An Orma elder, Mr Hussein Guracho, 72, said the pastoralists would not allow the establishment of a sugar factory at the delta, since it was their pasture and watering area for their animals.
"Since time immemorial, thousands of livestock farmers in Tana River have been relying on the delta for the provision of pasture and water for their animals. During severe drought, livestock farmers from as far as Garissa and Ijara in North Eastern Province stream here for pasture and water," he said.
"When Tarda and Mumias Sugar bring in the sugar project, millions of animals will be wiped out by drought since Tana River is semi-arid, denying over 100,000 pastoralists a living," Guracho explained.
He urged Tarda and Mumias to revive Ramisi Sugar Factory in Kwale instead of interfering with livestock keeping in Tana River.
"Since Narc came to power we have been opposed to the sugar project and we shall maintain our stand to the bitter end. Tarda will establish the factory over our dead bodies," the protestors said.
Early this month, Mumias Sugar Company and Tarda said they were seeking consultants to help with plans of establishing a sugar factory in Tana River.
The two firms have set up a joint implementation board to oversee the Sh24 billion-sugar project, which has already invited tenders for consultancy services.
Tana River Pastoralist Community Association chairman, Mr Ali Wario, asked Mumias Sugar managing director, Dr Evans Kidero to change his mind about establishing a factory at the delta.
"Some foreign companies which were planning a similar project with Tarda have already thrown in the towel since locals are opposed to the move. Kidero should look for an alternative place for the sugar factory or he will face the wrath of Tana River residents," Wario cautioned.
Kenya Livestock Marketing Council secretary-general, Mr Juma Wario warned that the livestock industry in Tana River and neighbouring districts would collapse if the delta were turned into a sugar growing area.
"It will trigger a wave of poverty on the pastoral communities who depend on the delta for survival," he explained. The East African Wildlife Society representative, Mr Peter Odhiambo, said the delta must be conserved since it has unique biodiversity. Odhiambo said within the Tana delta were patches of forests, which were home to rare monkeys, such as the red Colobus.