Matiang'i Agrees to Give More Evidence on Laikipia Ranch Linked to Ruto

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security, on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
Courtesy Ministry of Interior

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i has agreed to table more evidence on Deputy President William Ruto's link to the ADC Mutara ranch.

The CS was put to task on Tuesday, April 5, as members of parliament sought an explanation on a contested land allegedly owned by the Deputy President.

Matiang'i appeared before the National Assembly's Committee on Administration and National Security, where Nominated MP David Sankok accused him of delaying proving that DP Ruto owns the 15,000 acres of land in Laikipia.

The CS was asked to address reports alleging that Ruto owns the ADC Laikipia Mutara Ranch, which Matiang'i had earlier claimed was protected by the government.

Ainabkoi MP William Kamuren Chirchir Chepkut and Nominated MP David Sankok during discussions with SC Fred Matiang'i in Parliament on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
Former Ainabkoi MP William Kamuren Chirchir Chepkut and ex-nominated MP David Sankok in Parliament on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
Courtesy Ministry of Interior

CS Matiang'i requested a fortnight to liaise with other Ministries prior to furnishing the MPs with the information.

"It is taking time because I have to access information from other departments outside my jurisdiction. But we are one government, so in two weeks I will try and get you your answer," Dr Matiang'i told the committee.

Sankok demanded that CS Matiang'i gives an in-depth explanation of the intrigues and controversies around the reports

He also pushed for the CS to clarify the deployment of security to properties owned by the DP in the aforementioned counties which are grappling with insecurity. 

According to Sankok, Matiang'i should table the evidence on the properties owned by the DP, especially in Laikipia due to the nature of protection the State allegedly accords them.

The lawmaker, an ally of the DP, further accused the CS of sharing inaccurate information before the Parliamentary committee.

Two issues discussed during the session were the rampant insecurity in Samburu, Baringo and Laikipia Counties and the controversial land linked to the DP.  

In September 2021, Ruto refuted owning land in the contested region and challenged the Interior CS to subdivide the 15,000 acres of land, if the parcel truly existed. 

The DP added that he was willing to give up the land since the dossier read before the National Security and Administration Committee claimed he owned the property. 

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i escorted by top cops to Parliament on Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i escorted by top cops to Parliament on Wednesday, September 1, 2021
KBC

He argued that he had also issued express authority to have the ranch, reportedly protected by six police officers, be given to Laikipia residents for grazing.

The claims by Matiang'i rubbed Ruto the wrong way, since there was insufficient evidence to link him with the land in question.