Deputy President William Ruto makes a speech during the launch of Jubilee Party manifesto at Kasarani Stadium on June 26, 2017. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]
An auctioneer firm has denied ever selling the controversial 2,700- hectare Intona Ranch in Narok to Deputy President William Ruto.
This is after allegations by NASA flag-bearer Raila Odinga that Ruto got ownership of the land from Kenya’s second vice-president the late Joseph Murumbi through dubious means.
Ruto is said to have bought the land through auction linked to one Moses Korir, sole proprietor of Dawning Agencies and Auctioneers.
However, Korir through his lawyer Weldon Ngetich said he had allowed Mr Malel, the then general manager of Agricultural Finance Corporation, to purchase the property on behalf of AFC.
This came after Murumbi defaulted on payments of money he owed the corporation.
He added that his company should never be dragged into the land issue relating to Ruto.
“My client did not conduct any transactions with Mr Ruto or any agent or company representing him.
"I wonder how his name was dragged into talks of corruption yet he had done his job and handed over the property lawfully to AFC,” Ngetich said.
Dawning Agencies and Auctioneers advertised the land for sale through public auction, and that it was bought by AFC, the lawyer said.
“AFC was allowed to bid for the land,” he said.
He added that some 99 members of the Moitanik community who laid claim to the ranch land sued after his client had already completed the transactions with AFC.
The court had declared that the resource should be divided between the community and AFC.
While talking to a rally at Naroosura Market in Narok West, Raila claimed Ruto was highly abetting corruption and must explain how he got ownership of the property that borders Lolgorian.
“Land is an emotive issue in Narok and, instead of taking the burden off the shoulders of Kenyans, Jubilee leaders have concentrated on amassing wealth,” Mr Odinga said.