Government to initiate more projects for pastoralist communities, says Ruto

No part of this country is being discriminated against, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

Ruto noted that the Government has focused on developing every corner of the country especially those areas that have suffered marginalisation for a long time.

"We will not discriminate any region because we have plans for every corner of this country," he said.

He was addressing a delegation from Laikipia North Constituency at his Karen residential office on Friday.

He told the delegation that the Government will issue title deeds to residents of Laikipia County to end the problem of land ownership.

He said the Government is committed to solve the emotive land issue in the area once and for all.

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The Deputy President told members of pastoral communities that their regions are receiving sufficient consideration in Government development plans.

"Let me assure members of the pastoral community in this country that you shall not be discriminated against," he said.

The delegates had representatives from the Samburu, Pokot, Turkana, Tugen and Maasai communities.

He said regions occupied by pastoralists will get slots in the National Youth Service through affirmative action.

“We are addressing issues of land ownership in the area to end conflicts related to land," he said.

The Deputy President told pastoral communities to co-exist peacefully to realize meaningful development.

"Let us not create animosity between communities but preach peace for our people to co-exist harmoniously," he said.

The Deputy President emphasized that the Government is firmly tackling cattle rustling menace in the country.

He said the ongoing peace caravan in the North Rift is sending a clear message that cattle theft must be stopped.

“Let them be forewarned (cattle rustlers) that we are coming for them," said the DP.

He added: "I am promising you that the issue of cattle rustling will end. They have caused untold suffering and loss."

Mr. Ruto said the Government has embarked on building schools and houses that were destroyed during clashes in Baringo and neighboring Counties.

“Already over 300 National Youth Service officers have been sent to Arabal in Baringo to build houses for those whose houses were destroyed," said Mr. Ruto.

Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurken thanked the Government for taking bold step to develop areas that had been marginalized in the country.

The MP said efforts by Government to address land issues in his constituency will provide a long lasting solution to conflicts in the area.

The ODM MP said that he decided to support Government to realize speedy development in the area.

"Although I was elected on an ODM ticket, I have joined my constituents to support Government for us to realize speedy development," said the legislator.