Residents of Taita Taveta have issued a public outcry over the shortage of water in the region, accusing Deputy President William Ruto's farm of starving the region.
The Granton Samboja-led county has alleged that the DP's multi-million ranch blocked some of the canals feeding water into Lake Jipe, threatening its survival.
According to the residents, one side of the farm has struggled to get enough water for consumption and irrigation, while the other side grapples with flooding.
Deputy President William Ruto herds cows at his Taita Taveta ranch. |Photo| Courtesy|
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They claimed that this has forced them to travel long distances in search of water for domestic use.
The farm's managing director Arie Dempers has since stated that he will allow the residents to clear the canals of silt but pleaded to be allowed time to create a clear schedule.
In January 2020, Taita Taveta County moved to court, accusing the DP of diverting piped water from Lake Jipe to his farm, leaving residents with to starve.
Daily Nation on January 28, 2020, stated that Ruto purchased the ranch from former Taveta MP Basil Criticos on which he rears cow and goats.
The farm is located in Mata Ward, 27 kilometers from Taveta Town, on Taveta-Jipe Road, and borders another ranch owned by Criticos.
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