Deputy President William Ruto has casually offered a prime piece of land that was listed as one of his properties by Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiangi.
Speaking on Thursday, September 9, while addressing grassroots leaders from Narok South Constituency, DP Ruto dared those who believe that he owns expansive land in Laikipia to give it to the residents in what he says would go a long way in the fight against insecurity in the region.
“There has been a lot of propaganda lately and I want to tell those who said that I own a 15,000-acre land in Laikipia to subdivide it and give it to Kenyans. I have given you the authority,” Ruto said.
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The DP also asked persons in charge of security affairs including Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to concentrate on their role of safeguarding Kenyans and keep off politics.
“IG who is in charge of security should stay away from politics, his constitutional job gives his office the independent role of focusing on security matters,” Ruto said while speaking at his Karen residence.
He further faulted the said leaders in charge of security matters for allegedly propagating divisive politics and endangering the well being of Kenyans.
On Wednesday, September 1, CS Matiang’i while appearing before the Parliamentary committee on security listed businesses and properties owned by DP Ruto and which he said were guarded by police officers.
The CS was answering summons by MP’s who were concerned of the DP’s security after the officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) who were guarding him were replaced by Administration Police (AP) officers.
The properties and business allegedly belonging to the DP include:
- Kitengela Gas
- Weston Hotel, Nairobi
- Murumbi Farm - Transmara Narok
- ADC Laikipia Mutara Ranch - 15000 acres
- Dolphine Hotel, Mombasa
- Mata Farm, Taita Taveta - 2537 acres
- Private residence Elgon View
- Koitalel poultry farm Eldoret
- Private Residence in Kosachei Eldoret
- Kwae Island Development Ltd - Wilson Airport (2 hangers and 5 helicopters)
The CS explained that these properties are guarded by security officers provided by the state.
He further said that DP Ruto has 74 presidential escort team, five GSU drivers and six DCI officers in his inner cycle of the security team.
"The presidential escort team for DP is intact. These are people who have been with him for a long time. No one has changed them," Matiang'i told the committee.
The CS clarified that another 121 police officers are seconded to the DP in his layer 2 security detail to guard his official premises.
"I want to make this very clear. It is not true that the DP is not protected. No one withdrew the security of the Deputy President. It was just a rearrangement," Matiang'i explained.
