Nakuru leaders have lashed out at DP William Ruto for saying he would revert functions of the Naivasha Dry Port to Mombasa if elected president.
They said his plans would damage the region's economy, calling his comments careless. They said billions of taxpayers' cash had been spent to construct the dry port and Inland Container Depot in Mai Mahiu.
The administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta constructed the inland facilities and ordered that most freight be taken by the standard gauge railway to tNakuru for inland clearance.
Mombasa clearing agents, truckers and others businesses were outraged, saying their business was ruined.
On Tuesday, the Kenya Kwanza team led by Ruto said the port was of no benefit to residents as it was located in a private farm.
They said the move to relocate services from Mombasa to Naivasha had caused massive job and investment losses to the people of Coast.
But speaking in Naivasha, leaders allied to Azimio la Umoja termed the sentiments reckless and bordering on incitement.
Eunice Mureithi, who is running for woman representative in the county, said billions of taxpayers' money had been spent on the project.
She said it had benefited many people in the region and country, saying they were ready to protect the port.
“We strongly condemn the utterance by DP Ruto and his brigade and we are calling on the voters to lock them out of office,” the Ubuntu candidate said.
ODM parliamentary candidate Antony Rebo who said that DP didn’t have any moral authority to close down the port.
He said Naivasha residents were the main beneficiaries of the Port.
“We are not taking these sentiments lightly but we rejoice that the Azimio coalition will emerge the winners in the election,” he said.
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said several multi-international companies had shown interest in the port.
“Such comments said the wrong messages to investors and they could end up cosing job opportunities around the port,” he said.
Chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Esther Nyokabi who said that tens of youths had been employed in the Port.
Pastoralist Memorial Ole Kisotu said that the introduction of the SGR had made it easier to ferry goods to and from Mombasa.
“Those opposed to this port are enemies of development as our sons and daughters have been employed here and transportation of cargo has been made easier,” he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
