Opposition leaders in Kenya, backing the Ukombozi Coalition, have accused the government of privatising the Port of Mombasa. Led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, they claim that the port has been placed under the control of a few individuals. The leaders made these allegations after visiting Machakos and entering Mombasa on a tour of the Coast region. They criticised President William Ruto's recent eight-day tour of the region.
The opposition leaders stated that they do not oppose development or the construction of an oil refinery in Lamu but insist that the law must be followed. They emphasised the need for justice and transparency to ensure that local residents benefit from such projects. Kalonzo Musyoka stated that the Port of Mombasa had been turned into a private company controlled by a few individuals. He vowed that the opposition would not allow public assets to be privatised.
Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi claimed that President Ruto had converted the Kenya Ports Authority into a public limited company. Muturi cited documents, including a CR12 form, which allegedly showed that the company was now controlled by a few individuals, including Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa added that the government was attempting to take control of the Port of Mombasa, just like it had with the Lamu oil refinery and pipeline.
The opposition leaders criticised President Ruto's recent tour of the Coast region, which they claimed was aimed at pushing through the privatisation of public assets. However, they maintained that they were committed to ensuring that the law was followed and that local residents benefited from development projects. Kalonzo Musyoka stated that the opposition would not oppose the construction of the Dangote East Africa oil refinery in Lamu but insisted that the project must be implemented transparently.
The opposition leaders emphasised the need for public participation in development projects. Wiper Deputy Party Leader Mohammed Ali stated that citizens must be consulted and compensated if their property was being taken for development projects. Kalonzo Musyoka reiterated that the opposition remained united in its efforts to hold the government accountable and to ensure that public assets were not privatised.
Kalonzo Musyoka also urged young people to register as voters ahead of the upcoming voter registration exercise. He maintained that the opposition was committed to ousting President Ruto in the next General Election. The opposition leaders' allegations have sparked a heated debate about the privatisation of public assets in Kenya.
The government has not yet responded to the opposition leaders' allegations. However, the issue is likely to be a contentious one in the lead-up to the next General Election. The opposition's claims have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the government's development projects.
Key points
- The opposition leaders claim that the Port of Mombasa has been privatised and is now controlled by a few individuals.
- The leaders insist that the law must be followed and that local residents must benefit from development projects.
- The opposition remains united in its efforts to hold the government accountable and to ensure that public assets are not privatised.
