We’ll fulfill all Mt Kenya promises, assures Ruto
Implementation of various projects in Mount Kenya region will commence immediately after the conclusion of the three-day Cabinet retreat in Nanyuki, President William Ruto has said.
Among the promises that will be prioritised by the Kenya Kwanza team include water, security and housing in Laikipia.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Nanyuki Stadium, Ruto, who chaired the retreat, was categorical that all the promises made would be actualised.
They include construction of the road connecting Nanyuki and Rumuruti, construction of Nanyuki Bulk Water Dam and mega markets in Nanyuki, Rumuruti and Nyahururu. He also said that cases of insecurity in Laikipia County, and especially the invasion by herders into private ranches, would be addressed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, who has on two occasions visited the area.
Kindiki initiative
Prof Kindiki toured the restive valley following the killing of two students on New Year’s Day by armed bandits. He declared war on criminals, saying the government would deploy the military to restore calm.
He added that, among other measures, the government had ordered the reinstatement of 300 National Police Reservists (NPRs) and the enlistment of another 150 to bolster security in Kerio Valley.
He added that chiefs and their assistants in banditry-prone areas would be armed with five police officers each.
Yesterday, the President said he would be hosting ranchers who occupy 65 percent of Laikipia to discuss how best the issue of security can be dealt with following claims from residents that most of the cases of banditry and cattle rustling are executed through some ranches.
“We want to make sure that Laikipia will have sufficient water and we will be doing Kahurura Dam, Pesi Dam and Rumuruti Dam so that residents can have enough water for domestic use and for livestock,” said the President.
On human-wildlife conflict, the President said an electric fence would be constructed to keep animals away from people’s residents and farms.
“We understand the problems that most farmers undergo when wild animals invade their farms and we will be putting up an electric fence like the one we did in Gatundia and we will have a conversation with ranchers on how best to execute this,” he said.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu was told to secure land in Nanyuki, Rumuruti and Nyahururu where affordable houses would be constructed.
On issuance of title deeds for the said land, the President said his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, would issue the titles. “In mid-March, I will send my deputy to issue titled deeds to residents of Likii and Maina villages as we continue to process other titles for other places in the country so that Kenyans can have full ownership of the parcels of land as required by the law,” Ruto said.
Gachagua said that soon they would be hosting Ruto for a home-coming party in Mt Kenya region where they would thank the region for the support they gave during the August elections.
He reminded residents that Kenya Kwanza had been pushed to the end by the former administration and it was only the deeds of the people at the ballot that rescued them. “Mr President, it will be good for us to reward the people of Laikipia for what they did to us and this will be only by commencing the projects they have requested,” said Gachagua.
Laikipia leaders used the opportunity to urge the government to fulfill campaign promises, noting that the county has always been in confusion as to whether it is in Rift Valley or Central regions and most development projects hence remain a dream.
The President was accompanied by Gachagua, Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Senator John Kinyua, MP Jane Kagiri, Laikipia North MP Sarah Lekorere, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani.
Others were Wainaina Njoroge, Kieni; Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, Imenti MP Dawood, and Mukurweini MP John Kagucia, among others.
