Coast leaders defend KPA boss Ruto against critics

Pwani ni Kenya chairman and Kaloleni politician Alex Kasuku at Kaloleni on Sunday / BRIAN OTIENO

Some people reportedly unhappy with losing business at the Mombasa port are reportedly behind a campaign against Kenya Ports Authority managing director William Ruto, Coast leaders have said.

The leaders, including Kaloleni politician Alex Kasuku and Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, stated that anyone with concerns about Capt Ruto’s conduct should seek redress through the courts.

“We are tired of unfounded allegations against a hardworking and record-breaking leader,” Kasuku said.

MP Twalib said Capt Ruto is streamlining the authority, and the results are visible.

“As leaders, we support him for the progress he is making,” Twalib said.

“He has announced plans to revamp the Naivasha ICD, and we are seeing increased vessel traffic at the Mombasa and Lamu ports.”

The two spoke to the Star separately by phone on Saturday.

A section of Coast residents, claiming to represent the Mijikenda community, have expressed concerns over employment opportunities at the port for their community.

However, Kasuku clarified that the KPA managing director does not directly handle employment matters.

“We hear reports in the media about people feeling their community members have not been employed,” he said.

“However, the MD follows the rules and regulations set by the ministry and does not personally decide on employment.”

The Pwani ni Kenya chairman urged people to avoid using community names for personal interests.

He added that employees from the Mijikenda community make up a significant portion of the workforce at the Mombasa port.

“Employment at the port reflects Kenya’s diverse population and should be fairly distributed,” Kasuku said.

Port users, led by logistics expert Michael Magak, have also expressed support for Capt Ruto.

Magak described recent criticisms as attempts to undermine KPA’s progress.

He noted that Capt Ruto’s administration has enhanced corporate social investments, particularly in environmental and community empowerment initiatives, alongside achieving record performance.

“KPA surpassed two million TEUs in container traffic last year, a historic milestone,” Magak said.

“This progress should not be disrupted by negative campaigns.”

PnK chairman Kasuku said Capt Ruto is leading the authority toward new achievements.

He encouraged the KPA managing director to remain focused amid growing competition from neighbouring ports.

“Those who feel aggrieved can pursue legal channels. Attempts to disrupt operations will not succeed,” Twalib said.