DEPUTY President William Ruto is building a plush, multi-million-shilling residence in Eldoret town, complete with a private airstrip, the Star has established.
The stately home is estimated to sit on 20 acres, part of 700 acres bought by the DP in Moiben constituency.
A Chinese construction company has already laid the foundation for the main house, a guest wing, two swimming pools, a library, gym and other lavish facilities.
There are indications the DP may finally quit his Sugoi home in Turbo constituency and settle near Eldoret Town, the base of his political power.
The upcoming home signals the self-described “Hustler’s” massive financial war chest as the country heads to the 2017 general election.
“It will be a home befitting the status of a President,” a source familiar with the DP's political activities said, adding that Ruto plans to move into the new home before the next polls.
Ruto's wife Rachel is said to have shifted base from their plush Karen official residence and is mostly operating from Turbo as she supervises the ongoing work.
Ruto bought the land early this year.
The land was part of the 6,000 acres Jagir Farm, known locally as Kapkochir, whose owner was an Asian businessman.
The businessman first sold the land to Mombasa businessman David Lagat, who then sold part of it to the DP, among other buyers.
Lagat was engaged in a lengthy row with squatters on the farm, but they were also later allocated part of it.
Part of the area bought by the DP has an airstrip, which is being rehabilitated as part of the home.
The Star has established that Ruto prefers to keep the ongoing works confidential and always flies in and out of the compound.
“Every time he travels to Western Kenya or the Rift Valley, he must pass by to check the status of the construction. However, even the security are always kept away,” the source said.
At least eight armed Administration Police officers are guarding the construction site, which is located along the road from the Eldoret-Elgeyo border.
It lies about 15 kilometres east of Eldoret town.
The constriction work is being undertaken at a quick pace.
A source at the farm said they expect the construction to be completed latest by July next year.
Ruto is the first occupant of the Sh453 million official residence built by the government for the Deputy President in Karen, Nairobi.
The house is built on 10 acres, and comes with, among others, an office block, garage, swimming pool, gazebo, generator house, staff residence and comptroller’s unit.
Ruto often self-deprecates himself as a "hustler" who once sold chickens by a railway line.
In a televised interview recently, Ruto said there are many people who are jealous of his political progress.
“A narrative was created in Kenya you cannot get anywhere, you cannot be President of Kenya, you cannot be Deputy President of Kenya, unless you have billions,” Ruto said.
“The William Ruto seated here, a character who was selling chickens at a railway in Eldoret, today is the Deputy President of Kenya.”
Ruto also owns the five-star Weston Hotel opposite Wilson Airport, Nairobi. Via The Star