A section of leaders, professionals and residents from Mombasa has rallied behind Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto, dismissing criticism over the controversial Sh8.3 billion road expansion tender as politically motivated.
The leaders accused some politicians of exploiting the procurement dispute for political gain and urged investigative agencies to independently handle any concerns surrounding the project.
The controversy centres on allegations that KPA awarded a Sh8.3 billion contract to expand a 1.4-kilometre section of road within the Port of Mombasa.
Addressing a press conference in Mombasa, the group defended Captain Ruto’s leadership, describing him as a reform-minded administrator who has expanded economic opportunities for local residents while confronting entrenched cartels at the port.
Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa-based rights defender and Secretary-General of the Capital Youth Caucus, said criticism directed at the KPA boss was misplaced because procurement of projects of such magnitude involves several government institutions and approval processes beyond the authority’s management.
“Any tender above one billion shillings is not simply awarded at KPA. Such procurements involve the relevant ministry and other levels of government. Even the President is made aware of major projects of this nature,” Momanyi said.
He faulted what he described as misinformation being spread on social media by bloggers and political activists who, he argued, lacked an understanding of public procurement procedures.
Momanyi also challenged elected leaders criticising the KPA management to first account for how they had utilised public resources allocated to them before seeking higher office.
“Every Member of Parliament receives substantial development funds over a five-year term. Before asking Kenyans to elect you to higher office, show them what you have achieved with the resources entrusted to you,” he said.
He further argued that Members of Parliament concerned about procurement issues at KPA should utilise constitutional oversight mechanisms available through parliamentary committees instead of pursuing public political campaigns.
“If you sit in Parliament and even serve in committees responsible for transport, there are proper channels to raise your concerns. Turning the issue into a political sideshow simply undermines your own credibility,” he added.
Michael Magak described the disputed contract as a highly technical engineering project whose implementation was guided by detailed designs, specifications and bills of quantities prepared by professionals.
“This is a very technical matter. Before blaming an administrator who is not an engineering expert, consult engineers and technical professionals who understand how such contracts are designed and executed,” he said.
Magak also criticised Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, accusing him of using the controversy to advance his political ambitions.
“We cannot allow anyone to destroy the reputation of a Managing Director who has shown compassion to people who have no income and has stood up against powerful cartels,” he said, adding that any defamatory allegations could be challenged in court.
Former Public Works officer Ocholla Olonde described Captain Ruto as one of KPA’s most effective managing directors, crediting him with spearheading reforms aimed at dismantling entrenched interests at the port.
“We need Captain William Ruto. He is one of the most outstanding MDs when it comes to dealing with cartels and parasites that have frustrated operations at the port for years,” Olonde said.
He claimed some politicians and vested interests opposed the reforms and were seeking to discredit the KPA leadership.
“We are tired of these individuals who want to maintain the old systems. We are here to support Captain Ruto because of the reforms he is undertaking,” he added.
Sara Tsuma also defended the KPA chief, saying he had helped create casual employment opportunities for vulnerable women involved in port-related activities.
“Captain Ruto has helped less privileged women by ensuring they can access small jobs at the port. Those opportunities have enabled many families to earn a living and improve their livelihoods,” she said.
The leaders urged the public to allow the relevant oversight and investigative agencies to determine whether any procurement irregularities occurred, while cautioning politicians against politicising the matter for campaign purposes.
