Kenyans finally get to know who owns the ADC Mutara Ranch in Rumuruti which had previously hit headlines over a spate of killings and violence between herders and security officers. The 6073ha piece of land is owned by Deputy President William Ruto.
Online reports indicate William Ruto acquired the prime land on the Nakuru-Rumuruti highway in 2015, just two years after Jubilee government took power in 2013.
Read: Dr. Matiangi summoned to Parliament over Ruto’s security saga
After its acquisition, the land has been having a heavy deployment of armed police officers deployed inside to provide 24-hour security, something confirmed by Interior CS Fred Matiangi this morning when he appeared before the National Assembly National Security Committee to shed light on claims the government had downgraded Ruto’s security.
Herders from the surrounding community have engaged in conflict with officers securing the ranch, confrontations which have led to the loss of life.
Last week, the government announced a multi-agency team of three security forces will be sent to seven hotspots and ranches in Laikipia County for a major security operation to flush out illegal herders and bandits.
The government revealed the team will comprise a platoon of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and two platoons of General Service Unit (GSU) to help secure the troubled region.
Targeted areas include the vast Laikipia Nature Conservancy owned by conservationist Kuki Gullman in Laikipia West, ADC Mutara ranch in Laikipia West and the 80,000-acre Kilmon farm in Laikipia North.
During his interrogation by Parliament, Dr. Matiangi revealed DP Ruto was Kenya’s most protected second-in-command since independence and had 51 police officers guarding his expansive estate.
Matiang’i told the committee that there are six police officers guarding Kitengela gas, 4 manning the 395-hectare Murumbi Farm in Transmara Narok and 6 others providing security at the DP’s 6073- hectare ADC Laikipia Mutara Ranch.
Read CS Matiangi: Ruto is the most protected deputy in Kenya’s history
The other listed properties guarded by police officers are: Dolphine Hotel, Mombasa (LR. No. MN/1/3266)-3 Hectares (6), Mata Farm – Taita Taveta (LR. No.10287/10 & 11) 2537 Hectares (6), Private Residence Elgon View Eldoret (4), Koitalel Poultry Farm Eldoret (4), Private Residence in Kosachei Eldoret (3 Prisons, 1 AP), Kwae Island Development Ltd – Wilson Airport (2 Hangers and 5 Helicopters) (5).
