President William Ruto has been in the coast region for a development tour covering all six counties.
On his last day at the coast, Taita Taveta leaders had the chance to join the wagon.
Taita Taveta County Senator Jones Mwaruma has called on the national government to ensure that victims of wildlife attacks in the county are compensated.
Speaking in the Voi area during the launch of affordable housing construction, Mwaruma said some victims were not paid in the previous phase.
“Mr. President your cabinet secretary came here and issued a cheque of sh.51M but to date, victims of wildlife conflict in Voi, Mbololo, and Mwatate have not received compensation,” said Mwaruma.
Mwaruma who among other leaders from the county had accompanied the president who has been in the Coast region for a week-long tour of the region also defended artisinal miners in the area, saying they have been denied their right to mine Tsavorite.
He said over 15,000 miners have been denied a chance to put food on their tables.
“Tsavorite is like coffee to Taita Taveta, so if the miners are denied the right to mine it, it’s like denying them the right to make an income,” added Mwaruma.
Meanwhile, Taita Taveta Women Representative Lydia Haika also had a list of demands for the president.
Haika said Voi residents are still struggling with water shortage in the area.
She reminded President Ruto of the many promises he made to the residents of Taita Taveta, particularly the Mzima II water project.
She also asked President Ruto to issue title deeds to residents of Mwakingali, Sofia, Sikujua, and Maweni.