Former Kenyan Australian Ambassador Hon Stephen Kipkiyeny Tarus, who is also an ex-minister and former Emgwen MP, has recorded a statement with DCI at Kapsabet police station over alleged dispelled rumours on social media that his residential house in Chepterit Nandi had been torched down by angry youths purported to be UDA supporters.
Addressing journalists in Kapsabet town, Tarus cited that the information circulating on the social media platforms is inaccurate and misinformation as he has not been intimidated by citizens but is aware of leaders like Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi affiliated to UDA who threatened him, intimidated him and falsely accused him in a funeral, of giving an impression that all he was doing was to look for personal interests and riches.
“I want to tell Kenyans that am not that kind of a person, I have lived in this country long enough and while sympathetic with the conditions of the people of Kenya or going through every day, I have never sought to benefit from poverty nor challenges the people are facing.” He angrily said.
Tarus recorded a statement by the police claiming that his life was in danger due to his political ambitions and the threats he has received.
He decried of some criminal elements used to misuse power, political space, incite people and set wrong tones as the country moves towards elections, saying the NCIC should move with speed and hold responsible such elements.
The ex-minister set the record straight that he made a statement over a week ago about the situation in North Rift region because it is an agricultural region which produces over 45 M bags per annum and it raises through cereal production wealth of over 15 B in earnings from the cereals sector, thus is concerned that to date since the year 2018, that there are farmers who delivered maize to National Produce and Cereals Board but have not been paid to date.
“So the leaders don’t want to address the plight of farmers to an extend of gaggling whoever touches on the issue, for how long shall we be quiet?” He furiously asked.
He wants the Deputy President to handle issues affecting farmers particularly in the North Rift region citing that the importation of grains into the country has affected and destroyed the market for the commodities produced by our local farmers yet the government is silent on the issue.
