MP opposes Joho on port takeover bid

A Mombasa MP has differed with Governor Ali Hassan Joho over his threat to take over the management of the port.

Mr Hezron Awiti (Nyali) on Thursday described as “unlawful” the plan by the county boss to take control of the national asset.

This comes after Kenya Ports Authority chairman Danson Mungatana on Tuesday said that there was no way Mr Joho could take over the harbour.

Mr Awiti said the governor’s remarks were his own personal opinions, adding that the majority of Mombasa leaders were opposed to his idea.

The governor is setting a bad precedent by planning to make an unconstitutional move, he added.

“There is no way we can support the governor on his quest to forcibly take over the port when the law is clear that it is a national asset,” he said. “As a governor, Mr Joho should lead by example rather than uttering sentiments which could trigger anarchy.”

He added: “Our governor is day-dreaming. He can’t take over a national asset. Instead, the county should push for a slice of the revenue generated by the facility.”

At the same time, Mombasa county representatives supported the governor and vowed to enact legislation to compel transporters to pay $50 (Sh4,250) per tonne of cargo passing through the port, which would go to the county government.

In a statement, the leaders said they want the port to be run by the county government because it had not fully benefited the residents. They said they also want the Kenya Ferry Service to be controlled by the county.

The leaders accused Mr Danson Mungatana of working against the interest of Mombasa people by opposing Mr Joho’s efforts.