Deputy President William Ruto has castigated those opposed to the Sh38 billion Itare Dam project saying they lack knowledge.
Ruto said NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has no expertise to back claims the dam could result in an environmental disaster.
In Kuresoi North on Tuesday, the DP said calls by the “illiterate” opposition leader on the venture should be ignored and treated with contempt.
“We are using Sh38 billion to construct a dam that will end water shortage in various parts of Nakuru and Kericho counties,” he noted.
Iliterate man
“…But this illiterate man is lying to you that it is hazardous to the environment yet he knows nothing.”
Ruto said professional scientists, himself included, carried out a study and found the dam poses no harm to the environment.
But Raila and a team of Kipsigis elders are of the opinion that the dam will drain rivers in the Mau water catchment.
They said the effects will be felt in reduced levels of water in rivers feeding Lake Victoria, the long term problem being prolonged drought and little rain.
The construction is ongoing as those opposed to the venture lost a bid to get an injunction.
The case was filed at the Nakuru High Court by Kipsigis elders from Bomet and Kericho.
Witch doctor
While on his second day tour of the area, Ruto said: “Raila is a witchdoctor whose brain is not working and opposes everything.”
He said the Jubilee administration means well for all Kenyans and deserves another term to complete projects.