Opposition leaders accuse Ruto Gov’t of privatising Port of Mombasa

Opposition leaders backing the Ukombozi Coalition have accused the government of privatising the Port of Mombasa.

Led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the opposition says it will not allow public assets to be privatised, criticising President William Ruto’s tour of the Coast region.

The leaders who spoke after making their entry into Mombasa after visiting Machakos earlier on Friday say they do not oppose development or the construction of an oil refinery in Lamu, but insist that the law must be followed.

They claimed that the Port of Mombasa had been privatised and placed under the control of a few individuals.

“Imekuwa kampuni ya watu watatu sasa. Hiyo wanachukua. Tuko imara na nia yetu ni kuhakikisha kwanza Mombasa imesafishwa,” Kalonzo said.

Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi on his part said, “Ameifanya kuwa public limited company, hii KPA, na wale wamewekwa kwa nakala yake, the CR12. Ukiangalia, wameweka Waziri John Mbadi.”

DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa added, “Ile refinery yenu tayari imenyakuliwa, pipeline yenu tayari imenyakuliwa, sasa wananyemelea port hii KPA, na wamewekwa kwa jina la watu wa tatu.”

Criticising President William Ruto’s eight-day tour of the region, the leaders said they did not oppose development, particularly the construction of the Dangote East Africa oil refinery in Lamu. They insisted, however, that the law must be followed, with justice and transparency ensuring that local residents benefit.

“Oil refinery yetu hapa inakalia ekari 400. Ndiyo hiyo pia wanapania kuinyakua,” said Kalonzo.

“Hatupingi maendeleo, lakini tunataka ufuate sheria na ufuate Katiba ya Kenya,” Wamalwa noted.

Deputy Party Leader, Wiper Mohammed Ali added, “Public participation is a must. Lazima raia waulizwe. Kama unachukua mali yao, lazima uwalipe.”

Kalonzo maintained that the opposition remained united as it seeks to oust President William Ruto in the next General Election. He also urged young people to register as voters ahead of the upcoming exercise to be announced by the electoral body.