William Ruto lines up gifts for Coast

Deputy President William Ruto on Monday announced that 5,200 title deeds for Taita-Taveta residents are ready for collection.

He also said the government had set aside Sh15 billion for a new power line that would pass through the county.

Mr Ruto spoke when he handed over the Maungu lorry park, built by the National Government at a cost of Sh319 million.

“The National Government is ready to work with every leader. In a bid to address the land problem in Taita-Taveta, at least 5,200 titles have been processed.

“MPs and county leadership would tell us which places are ready to receive the certificates so that we can sub-divide the land for them,” said the DP.

He asked lawmakers in the ODM-dominated area to disregard their political affiliation and work with the government to help residents get their titles.

“We can only achieve this if we work together. We have the same plans for other parts of the country,’’ said Mr Ruto.

MEET LANDS MINISTER

Leaders from the region are set to meet acting Lands Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on September 7 to discuss procedures to be followed in identifying the areas where people would be issued with the certificates.

Mr Ruto said the issuing of the titles would spur economic growth in the county.

On the contentious Community Land Bill, the DP gave an assurance that consultations would be held with all stakeholders, communities and county governments before it is enacted.

“We have a constitutional demand to pass the Bill, but there must be dialogue. We cannot pass a Bill that would oppress our people,” he said.

POKED HOLES

Taita-Taveta Governor John Mruttu had poked holes in the Bill, which is among the pieces of legislation that are to be passed by the August 27 deadline.

To address frequent power blackouts in the region, especially in Mombasa, Mr Ruto announced that Sh15 billion would be used to fund a new power line from the Olkaria Geothermal Power Station to Mombasa, through Taita-Taveta County.

Separately, the DP dismissed people who have been criticising him over fundraising, saying he is doing it for development.

Although he did not mention names, Cord leader Raila Odinga has been criticising Mr Ruto over the funds drives.

“Some people are complaining that I fundraise a lot. They do not want me to fundraise,” he said.

He spoke when he presided over a funds drive for Voi Primary School in which at least Sh7 million was raised. Mr Ruto said at least Sh425 million would be used to refurbish Moi County Referral Hospital.

Reported by Laban Robert, Lucy Mkanyika and Brian Ocharo