Big Win For Ruto as Raila Finally Supports His Plan

William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration secured significant support for its efforts to concession critical services at the Mombasa and Lamu ports, despite opposition from coastal leaders, particularly Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

As reported in by a local media house on Wednesday, this initiative gained the endorsement of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who aligned himself with Ruto’s concession strategy.

Addressing a gathering in Mombasa, Mr. Odinga emphasized that the concession plan was an effective means of attracting private capital from investors to facilitate the expansion and modernization of the ports.

However, Mr. Odinga did not shy away from criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government for their previous stance during the August presidential campaign last year.

He pointed out that both he and former President Uhuru Kenyatta faced heavy criticism from UDA leadership when they initially introduced the concession plans.

“We were vilified by UDA leadership during the campaign for proposing the concession of certain port services to enhance efficiency. I’m surprised they have now embraced it,” he remarked.

Mr Odinga’s statement comes off in line with President William Ruto’s move of privatising the port, a move that sparked sharp reactions from coastal leaders.

On the other side, deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has refuted claims of existence of a rift between him and his boss William Ruto over the shareholders remarks.