- The independent governor said the county will work closely with Ruto’s administration.
- Further, Mwadime said they will engage Ruto on the allocation of royalties from the multi-billion mining sector and Tsavo National Park.
Image: SOLOMON MUINGI
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has congratulated President-elect William Ruto, terming his victory as a win for the county.
He said Ruto, who is a resident of Taita Taveta, will help his government address challenges facing the region.
“On behalf of the people of Taita Taveta, we congratulate the President-elect William Ruto who is one of our own. We welcome him home so that we can work together,” Mwadime said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mwadime said Ruto will be briefed on all county deliberations as part of promoting a cordial working relationship with the national government.
He said the residents will now expect Ruto to fast-track the process of addressing the perennial human-wildlife conflict once he assumes office.
“The issues of compensation have to be addressed without further delay. Our people are suffering from loss occasioned by the invasion of wild animals,” he said.
The governor said constant cases of human-wildlife conflict and delayed compensation contributed to high levels of poverty in the area.
Further, Mwadime said they will engage Ruto on the allocation of royalties from the multibillion-shilling mining sector and Tsavo National Park.
“Because he is a resident, we know he shall help us get our share of the billions collected from Tsavo and from the minerals. Such funds will help the county government initiate development projects,” he said.
The independent governor said the county will work closely with Ruto’s administration.
During his campaign tours in the county, Ruto described himself as a resident of the county, having acquired a 2,500-acre farm at Mata ward in the Taveta constituency. The farm was initially owned by former Taveta MP Basil Criticos.
Ruto has established a multi-million farm on the land where he rears livestock for commercial purposes.
The farm is located along the Taveta-Jipe road, bordering Lake Jipe and the vast Criticos ranch.
Meanwhile, the only UDA elected MCA in the county Dorcas Mlughu congratulated Ruto, further urging the residents to support his government.
Mlughu said teamwork and massive campaigns across the county paid off following the declaration of Ruto’s win by the Supreme Court on Monday.
“We thank God because of the win. Our team at the county level led by Woman representative Lydia Haika did a good job and we are asking all residents to support Ruto’s government,” she said.
The Rong'e MCA said leaders in the region will work closely with the government to ensure improvement in the education sector and access to clean water.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)