Ruto urges residents to vote for Jubilee

Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday urged the electorate in Kisii to support the government’s development agenda.

During his 11th visit to the region, Mr Ruto told the people that their destiny lies in government as he outlined a raft of development projects the Jubilee government had implemented in the region, including the electrification of schools and households and improvement of health care facilities.

Speaking during the celebrations to mark the International Day for Older Persons at the Gusii Stadium, the DP also announced increased funding for the elderly people’s cash transfer programme, saying an additional 324,000 individuals stood to benefit.

This financial year, Sh7.3 billion had been set aside for the programme, he said.

“More than Sh18 billion has been spent since the programme started in 2013, benefiting the elderly persons who have enrolled,” he said.

He was accompanied by Labour Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie, PS Susan Mochache, MPs David Were (Matungu), John Serut (Mt Elgon) and other members of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour.

Others present included Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, Kenya Commercial Bank chief executive Joshua Oigara and former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae.

The DP directed security agencies to ensure the aged are protected against stigma and victimisation.

He especially singled out the killing of elderly people accused of being witches and wizards, saying the practice was outdated

Mr Maangi assured the DP of the region’s support ahead of the 2017 General Election.

The deputy governor, who scoffed at ODM threats to expel him, said he was already working with Jubilee to foster the region’s development.

At the same time, the Deputy President said the government was in the final stages of lifting the caveat on title deeds for people living around Mau Forest.

Mr Ruto, who spoke at Teret Secondary School in Njoro, Nakuru County, said the residents would soon be allowed to farm on their land.

Mr Ruto flew into the area from Kisii and presided over a fundraising at the school, where he donated Sh4 million, before leaving hurriedly to attend what were described as official matters.

Additional reporting by Reitz Mureithi and Eric Matara