Isaac Ruto accuses Jubilee of neglecting Mau evictees

Chama Cha Mashinani leader Isaac Ruto and other leaders during the opening of the party's offices in Mauche, Nakuru County, on March 24, 2017. PHOTO | MAGDALENE WANJA | NATION MEDIA GROUP.

Chama Cha Mashinani leader Isaac Ruto has lashed out at the government for neglecting Mau Forest evictees who, he claims, are languishing in poverty.

The more than 1,000 families were kicked out of the Mau complex in 2009 and resettled at Majani Mingi in Rongai Sub-County in 2012.

SH200,000

Mr Ruto on Friday accused the government of settling the evictees in “a desert” without social or sanitary amenities.

“The families are now suffering as the area they were settled in is dry and hostile. They lack water and toilets,” he said.

He claimed there was discrimination in the resettlement and compensation of families that were internally displaced in 2007 post-poll chaos and forest evictees.

“Some of the IDPs are yet to be compensated… some were given Sh200,000 while others were given Sh400, 000,” he said.

PEACE

Kuresoi South MP Zakayo Cheruiyot, who accompanied the CCM party leader in opening of the new party office at Mauche, blamed Nakuru county government for starting Early Child Development Education projects and failing to employ teachers.

Mr Cheruiyot accused Deputy President William Ruto and former Roads Minister Franklin Bett of failing to block the eviction of Mau squatters while working in the coalition government.

“The then prime minister announced that the Cabinet had agreed that the Mau occupants be evicted. Among those present during the Cabinet meeting were Mr William Ruto and Franklin Bett,” said Mr Cheruiyot.

He called on his party supporters to ensure they maintain peace during the campaign period.

“Everyone should enjoy all the rights despite their tribe and we should therefore observe peace. We want to have a peaceful election and no one should get harmed during the elections,” he said.