We always care about you, DP Ruto to Lamu residents

Deputy President William Ruto has assured residents of Lamu that the government has put in place measures to ensure their welfare is not compromised by new projects being rolled out in the region.

Speaking in Lamu on Tuesday, Ruto remarked that the energy project that is to be set up in the region will have no negative implications on the locals’ health or the environment.

“We are a responsible government and we are doing what is good for the people of Lamu. We cannot, in any way, set up a project that would affect the health of locals,” said Ruto.

“We will ensure the projects to generate energy are not harmful to your health and the environment.”

The Deputy President called on the locals to desist from politics of division and hate saying as Jubilee, they are interested in uniting Kenyans regardless of their religious or regional affiliation.

“We have no time to draw wedges between the people from the Coast and those from upcountry; or Muslims against Christians.”

“We want politics that would encourage people from different regions to unite and build the country.”

He called for discussions between the locals and the government to ensure the development projects set up in the region are of benefit to them.

There have been voices of discontent among some residents of Manda Bay over plans to set up a coal power plant in Lamu.

The plant, which will sit on a 869-acre piece of land in Hindi, will be funded by Amu Power Company to the tune of Ksh 200 billion.

Once completed, the plant will produce approximately 1,050 MW of electricity.

The Lamu County Assembly had early this year halted the project calling on its owners to come up with a compensation plan for those displaced.

He further stated that the development of the Port of Lamu would improve the lives of the locals saying the youth would be the first to benefit through jobs.

The DP added that plans to roll out the Lamu-Isiolo-Lodwar development corridor are on course owing to Lamu’s centrality.

The Deputy President further called on Kenyans to support the country’s security agents saying Jubilee has put in place reforms that have ensured efficiency in the police force.

“We want Kenyans to be safe in a bid to help grow the economy. Our call to security officers is to maintain security to prevent cases of terrorism and robbery.”

Lamu Governor, Issa Timamy, in his address, expressed support for Jubilee saying they have done a lot to improve the lives of the locals.

“We appreciate you, the people of Lamu, for coming out to show your support for Jubilee. We do not want words, we want action,” he said.

@benjaminwafula