Ruto land dealings come to haunt him in his coastal tour
Deputy President William Ruto was forced to explain how he acquired the 2,536-acre Mata Farm in Taita-Taveta county during his four-day coast campaign tour.
Speaking at Lumo Wildlife Sanctuary during a Kenya Kwanza economic forum, Ruto said that he acquired the land after paying former Taveta MP Basil Criticos a loan by the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC).
“I am also a Mata elder because I helped the former Taveta MP to settle his loan at AFC and he gave me a portion of land,” he said.
The farm borders Criticos ranch and Lake Jipe and has been at the centre of controversy over its ownership.
The land is used for growing maize, and the DP also rears cattle. He has been accused of diverting water and thus letting hundreds go without water.
His workers have also been accused of harassing locals.
The DP also took the opportunity to address land issues in the coastal region, accusing president Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga of the failure to solve land issues in the coastal area.
“We know those in Azimio can solve landless issues and restore port operations. Why not do it now? They should stop using it as a campaign tool,” said Ruto.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said that Odinga had portrayed himself as the region’s saviour only to betray the people.
“The land issue is not about picking a Coast leader to be Cabinet Secretary for Lands, we have had a number of people from this area in the same docket but lack of goodwill and policies are the ones needed,” said Kingi.
He questioned Odinga’s choice of making a pronouncement that alluded to the fact that the Mombasa governor Hassan Joho would head the Lands ministry if elected.
