Ruto faces backlash for using county funds to renovate cattle dip

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto is facing a backlash after using county funds to renovate a cattle dip that residents say is no longer necessary. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The governor opened the cattle dip in Siomo, Konoin Constituency, on Wednesday and posted pictures about the same on Facebook and Twitter.
• He is now being accused of taking the residents of Konoin for granted by splashing money on projects they said would not improve their lives.
• Residents took to Facebook to criticise the governor’s move, many saying cattle dips were no longer helpful.

By JEREMIAH KIPLANG'AT
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Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto is facing a backlash after using county funds to renovate a cattle dip that residents say is no longer necessary.

The governor opened the cattle dip in Siomo, Konoin Constituency, on Wednesday and posted pictures about the same on Facebook and Twitter.

He is now being accused of taking the residents of Konoin for granted by splashing money on projects they said would not improve their lives.

Siomo is a remote place located next to Mau Forest at the far end of the county.

The governor, whose county was recently ranked number three in the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) bribery report, defended himself, saying the dip had remained unused for the last 30 years and was vital to the cattle farmers in the area.

(READ: Isaac Ruto the only governor who hasn't signed medical kit deal))

"Opening Siomo Cattle Dip, Konoin. Facility went into disuse in 1985 but today began operations after we renovated it,” said the caption of a photo he posted on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts.

'CATTLE DIP FOR WHAT?'

However, the residents said there were other urgent needs including repairing roads to the area that have remained dilapidated for years.

“Everybody has a sprayer at home, cattle dip for what really? Instead of tell ppl (people) to use modern way(s) you (are taking) us back to 19th century,” commented Bravo Kipkemoi Barsumek, a resident.

The governor did not indicate the cost of renovation.

“I may not be sure about so many things. But am sure this (cattle dip) is NOT what devolution envisioned,” said Vicky Chepkorir Marisin.

The residents took to Facebook to criticise the governor’s move, many saying cattle dips were no longer helpful.

“Misplaced priorities! We are no longer living in eighties when one used to trek for kilometres with cattle to cattle dips. We are now rearing zero grazed which don't need to be taken to cattle dip-we do it at home, era of cattle dips is long gone,” said John Bii, another resident