North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has said he believes that Mount Kenya voting block should not be split into East or West.
He also remained optimistic that President William Ruto will pick Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his running mate in the 2027 general election.
“Professor Kindiki has been an able deputy. I was in Naivasha the other day and ODM was talking about getting half of the government. Half of the government does not mean getting half of the Presidency,” Dawood said.
He said that when the time comes, Mount Kenya will rally behind Kindiki and President William Ruto.
On the controversial construction of an air strip in North Imenti Forest where conservationist and some of the residents have raised concern that it will lead to environmental degradation, Dawood said the airstrip will not occupy more than 20 acres.
“It’s an airstrip not meant for public but designed for Kenya Forest Services. It will not occupy more than 20 acres of land,” said the MP.
He said personally he is not against any conservationist.
He revealed that the CEO for Rhino Ark Christian Lambart was supposed to meet with him after he raised concerns that the air strip will come in the way of animal conservation in the elephant corridor and the elephant maternity.
“If indeed I hold a meeting and confirm that it is indeed true, I might consider withdrawing or asking for it because I will not want it to interfere with wildlife conservation. We still have to think about the elephants which are destroying peoples crops. We need to take them away in Kithoka and Ruiri,” he said.
On cheap alcoholic drinks that have been circulating in the country, Dawood said that it is a matter of concern as illicit brewers receive very little fines and they are encouraged to continue brewing.
“There is a need for multisectoral approach to tackle illicit brews and second-generation alcohol by involving the police, the National Government Administration Officer and the judiciary,” Dawood said.
He urged the Meru County Alcoholic Drinks Control Board not to give licenses to bars near schools and liquor joints that sell to people drinking outside and in cars.
“The county government should have stern measures on alcohol sellers to ensure we control, and minimize the drinking of alcohol especially to the young people,” Dawood said.
Edited by John Majau
