William Ruto revisits Mau Forest evictions, pledges to keep out
Deputy President William Ruto addressing a rally in Narok Town on November 22, 2021. DPPS
Deputy President William Ruto has revisited the contentious Mau Forest evictions, warning illegal settlers who were driven out of the water tower of dire consequences should they try to return.
Addressing a rally in Narok County yesterday, the DP lashed out at politicians who have been using the conservation of the Mau for political mileage each election cycle.
In reference to the evictions that were spearheaded by Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga in 2009, Dr Ruto said he had also all along backed reclamation and conservation of the forest.
“The Mau Forest issue has already been solved and the decision was final. If I was against it, I could have used my position as deputy President to stop it then,” Dr Ruto said at the home of Nairobi Nominated MCA Leah Ntimama. He addressed rallies in Narok town, Ntulele, Nairagie Enkare, Duka Moja and Suswa.
He was accompanied by Labour Chief Administrative Secretary Patrick Ntutu and MPs Korei Ole Lemein (Korei Ole Lemein), Ken Kiloku (Narok East), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), Rigathi Gachagua (Gichugu), Aden Duale (Garissa Township), Kimani Inchungwa (Kikuyu), David Ole Sankok (nominated) and Wilson Sossion (nominated). The DP cautioned leaders against using the Mau Forest issue to create a wedge between the communities living in Narok. He said the government is fencing the forest to protect it from encroachment.
Dr Ruto said he supported the conservation of all forests.
He urged voters to choose leaders according to their development record, saying the presidential race is a contest between proven managers who can serve the people and build the economy.
“I want my competitors to tell Kenyans what they have done and I will also tell them what I have done,” he added. He said Narok has benefited with 3,000 kilometres of roads, while electricity connection has risen from 20,000 households to 90, 000. The government had also built five vocational training institutes, he said.
