No more torching of houses during eviction from forests, says Ruto

DP William Ruto addresses residents of Embobut after touring the area and inspecting the ongoing construction of Sambalat - Chesoi road in the area.[PHOTO/DPPS]

The Government will no longer torch property to evict squatters living illegally in conservation areas.

Deputy President William Ruto said the Government would instead adopt dialogue among the stakeholders involved.

This comes against a backdrop of condemnation from some leaders over the violent ejection of squatters living in the Mau Forest complex.

“We are cognisant of the fact that there should be dialogue between the Government and the residents. There should not be torching of houses anymore to eject people living in forested land as witnessed in the Mau complex,” the Deputy President said yesterday.

Ruto said whenever such situations arise, all local leaders will be involved so that the affected residents are shown the need to move without being forced out.

The Deputy President said those affected by the ejection would be compensated to help them resettle after leaving the forest.

“The Government is concerned about the conservation of water catchment areas and we want all Kenyans to complement our efforts,” said Ruto.

Protected area

He complimented the Embobut Forest squatters from moving out of the protected area without duress, saying the water tower is  recovering steadily.

Speaking at Kakayaa in Marakwet East Constituency after inspecting the ongoing construction of 36 kilometres of the Tirap-Sambalat road funded by the national government to the tune of Sh2.2 billion, Ruto said the Government had made plans to ensure all roads in the country were tarmacked under the annuity programme.

“To ensure there is rapid economic prosperity, all roads in the country will be tarmacked so that there is fast movement of goods and services. This will ensure farm produce reach its destination on time,” he observed.

At the same time Ruto, defended the formation of Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP), saying it was meant to unite the country by bringing all citizens together under one national party.

“We should not politicise the JAP issue because what we want is the unity of all Kenyans and the Opposition should follow suit by dissolving their parties and coming under one banner,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President was accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, MPs David Bowen (Marakwet East), William Kisang (Marakwet West) and Deputy Governor Gabriel Lagat.