Ruto’s Stern Warning to Tycoon Over Ksh30M Debt
President William Ruto has issued a warning to a mining businessman who owes Taita Taveta County residents Ksh30 million.
Ruto disclosed during the inauguration of the Gemstone Value Addition and Marketing Centre in Voi on Friday that a businessman identified only as Samruda had not paid residents royalties for more than four years.
According to Ruto, the merchant only managed to pay Ksh10 million, leaving an outstanding balance of a significant amount. Therefore, he urged the tycoon’s associates, colleagues, and acquaintances to encourage him to repay the debt.
Ruto emphasized that his administration would not tolerate any unscrupulous businessmen exploiting Kenyans for millions of dollars, despite not specifying any consequences for Samruda.
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“There is somebody called Samruda, and I hear he has Ksh30 million belonging to Kenyans. He has only brought Ksh10 million. I want his friends to go and tell him to bring the money belonging to the people of Taita Taveta.
“That is money that he should have brought here three years ago,” Ruto stated.
In contrast, he warned mining companies not to operate with expired licenses.
Using his famous phrase “mambo ni matatu,” the President stated that more than 1,400 businesses were directed to acquire the necessary documentation before continuing operations.
“We have people who have licenses, and they have never renewed them for 10/20 years. We have 1400 who are doing that.
“We have given them time to renew their licenses, and if they do not do so, mambo ni matatu,” he stated.
Notably, the afflicted businesses were shut down on October 4 for engaging in illegal activities.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya explained that the companies contributed to an increase in smuggling and that their closure would ensure the regulation of the industry.
Ruto’s Stern Warning to Tycoon Over Ksh30M Debt
