Naivasha Dry Port will not be closed — Azimio

Azimio La Umoja alliance says the multi-billion Naivasha Dry Port will not be closed as threatened by Kenya Kwanza.

The team said the controversial port is part of the government capital project meant to serve the neighbouring counties.

This emerged over the weekend when the team's deputy presidential aspirant Martha Karua held campaigns in Naivasha and Gilgil towns.

In the last couple of months, the position of the dry port has drawn debate among ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto who promised to return operations back to Mombasa.

Agriculture CS Peter Munya who had accompanied Karua said the dry port will not be closed down if the coalition won.

He lashed out at the Kenya Kwanza team terming them as leaders who had ruined the country through graft.

“We want to assure the residents of Nakuru county that the dry port will not be closed down as planned by the Kenya Kwanza team,” he said.

Munya also revised the issue of several dams that had stalled in Rift Valley after funds set aside for their construction were allegedly stolen.

Karua further questioned the source of millions that the DP was donating to various institutions including churches.

She said Azimio is willing to address the issues of health, economy and injustice, once in office.

Karua promised free medical and education access for all adding that the country’s potential would be used to support all.

“This country is endowed with major resources but unfortunately very few people have benefited from this. There is need to change this,” she said.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui termed the threats by Ruto team as an indication of the contempt, which some national leaders have for the county.        

“We are shocked and dismayed by utterances attributed to a section of leaders promising that the Naivasha Dry Port and railway will be terminated should their coalition win,” he said.

The  county boss said the team should engage in conversation on how to enlarge the national cake, instead of entertaining retrogressive policies targeting certain regions for short-term political expediency.

He said they were not lesser citizens than other parts of the country.   

“After years of gross marginalisation and neglect, they have now resorted to economic sabotage of Nakuru and we shall confront it with all the force necessary,” he said. 

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)