Gachagua links President Ruto to Kedong, Kibiko land disputes

A courtesy call by opinion shapers and grassroots leaders from Narok County at his Wamunyoro residence on Friday provided Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua with a platform to revisit the long-standing land disputes in Narok and Kajiado counties.

Gachagua accused President William Ruto of failing to resolve the disputes over the Kedong and Kibiko ranches, despite promising to do so during the 2022 election campaign.

He further alleged that the President has vested interests that have hindered efforts to find a lasting solution.

"Pahali Wamaasai wako ndiyo wanasema iwe industrial park. Ametoa Wamaasai, anataka kuwatoa awapeleke huko milimani ati acre 6,000. Pahali iko mawe na pahali iko mitaro kubwa mahali maji inapitia huwezi lima. Hiyo acre elfu sita kwa mlimani, kusikuwe Maasai hata moja ataenda huko,” said Gachagua.

Absolving himself of any responsibility for the unresolved conflicts, the DCP leader presented himself as the leader who could permanently resolve the long-running land disputes.

He accused President Ruto of using the contentious issue as a political tool instead of pursuing a lasting solution.

"Ata njaa ya mwaka moja inamalizwa na sahani moja. Kwani kungoja mwezi wa kumi na mbili ni muda mrefu? Si mmengoja hii miaka yote? Si tunafukuza Kasongo tuchukue serikali? So msisonge, mketi mahali mko. Na mtu asitoe Wamaasai hapo. Mkae hapo na msitoke,” he said.

At the same time, Gachagua expressed confidence that his party would win the Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election slated for July 16.

He dismissed the government's intensified campaign efforts, saying voters in Ol Kalou would not be swayed by a sudden surge in development projects ahead of the poll.

"Sasa pale lugha ni moja…huyu Ruto tulimchagua 2022., hakupatia sisi chochote. Nafasi imepatikana arudishe mkono., sasa ile pesa ya Ruto inatumika pale ni deni ya 2022. Lakini wanasema kura ya tarehe 16? Ng'o. Na mimi nakwambia hawa Wakikuyu usicheze nao. Ruto atashangaa ikitangazwa,” Gachagua stated.