Which stadium? West Pokot residents ask DP Ruto

Deputy President William Ruto speaking during the launch of the Jubilee Party Manifesto at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium on June 26, 2017. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The residents said Kamariny stadium is in the neighbouring Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
  • The party was not requested to give their input in the new Jubilee manifesto.

West Pokot residents have said a stadium mentioned by Deputy President William Ruto during the launch of the Jubilee manifesto is not in their county.

The residents said Kamariny stadium is in the neighbouring Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

During the Jubilee Party manifesto launch on Monday evening, the DP named Kamariny stadium in West Pokot as one of the nine under construction.

The residents, however, said they were not aware of a stadium by that name, adding that he could have been referring to Makutano stadium in Kapenguria.

A resident said Mr Ruto should clarify if he meant Makutano stadium to avoid confusion.

DECEIVED

“Kamariny stadium is two kilometres south of Iten in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. I have trained in that stadium, so let us not be deceived,” said Pilot Powon, a resident of Lelan in West Pokot County.

Another resident, Abu Siwanyang said: “Is Makutano stadium being constructed by the county government or the national government? Mr Ruto knows West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties very well so he could not have been mistaken,” he said.

Jeff Achokor confirmed that there was a village named Kamariny in West Pokot County but that Kamariny stadium was in Elgeyo-Marakwet, saying it could have been a slip of the tongue by the Deputy President.

Pokot South MP David Pkossing said Kamariny stadium was being constructed in Elgeyo-Marakwet and it was only a slip of the tongue by the DP.

GHOST PROJECT

Mr Pkossing, a close ally of the DP, will be defending his seat on a Jubilee ticket.

Senator John Lonyangapuo, however, said the people of West Pokot should be told if there is a ghost project in the area.

"Some of the (Jubilee) achievements and promises are far-fetched. Look at the grand Kamariny stadium, purported to have been built already in Kamariny village, Siyoi Ward, Kapenguria constituency of West Pokot County. I was there yesterday, and nothing like that exists," he said.

He added the Kanu team is supporting the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta but the party was not asked to offer its input in the new Jubilee manifesto.

"We hope after the election we will thoroughly relook it and start with quick wins first. Generally, it is more realistic than the previous one,” he added.