Deputy President William Ruto has promised quick action to address the concerns of Lamu residents once he becomes president in August.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Lamu, Ruto, who is also the leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), vowed to prioritize the payment of Sh1.76 billion compensation to Lamu fishermen affected by the Lapsset project.
The fishermen, numbering 4,734, have been waiting for the compensation for over five years despite a High Court ruling in May 2018 ordering the government to pay them the amount.
Ruto's promise comes as the current government has failed to meet its obligation, leaving the fishermen in limbo.
"I know that the current government has not paid the fishermen their compensation despite the court ruling. My first priority when I become president will be to ensure that you are paid your compensation," Ruto said.
He also promised to address the issue of unemployment in Lamu, particularly in the police, military, and teaching sectors, by ensuring that over 5,000 young people from the county are employed.
"We have been recruiting three police officers, ten soldiers, and fifteen teachers from Lamu. This is not good. When we form the next government, we will ensure that over 5,000 young people from Lamu are employed," Ruto said.
Additionally, Ruto promised to ensure that every citizen, including those from low-income backgrounds, is covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) by December this year.
Other leaders who accompanied Ruto during the campaign rally included ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, former Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, Garissa Town MP Aden Duale, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, former Tana River Governor Hussein Dado, former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip, and Lamu East MP Athman Sharif.
