A section of Mijikenda elders has come out to laud Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director William Ruto for the 'good' work he is doing at the authority.
The elders noted that the work by Ruto has boosted morale and motivation for KPA workers.
Addressing members of the press in Mombasa the elders led by Patrick Mangale noted that KPA has made great improvement in terms of service delivery since Ruto took over the position of the MD.
"Since his appointment in March 2023, the port has been experiencing a spate of high moves in TEUS and one of the latest being the fastest handling of MV Lana with 1548 containers within a shift of 8 hours " said Mangale.
Adding " Within a short while in office captain Ruto has demonstrated his ability , competence and hard work to improve and expand the port to create more jobs for the youths who are languishing in joblessness. Already he is busy fast tracking the upgrade of Shimoni fish port, the completion of Dongo Kundu and full operationalization of the Kisumu and Lamu ports."
The elders also took issue with what they term rumours circulating that members of the community are against the MD.
Mangale charged "We express our full and unwavering support for him (Ruto) and call upon our leaders to the same and stop playing tribal politics, those rumours doing rounds are not true. KPA is a public asset where every Kenyan irrespective of their tribe qualifies to be appointed as MD as long as they meet the criteria and standards as set out by the appointing authority"
On his part another elder Ali Bege, accused those spreading the rumours and a section of politicians of being selfish.
"We need to stand united. Let us avoid people who want to separate us just because of their selfish reasons. Those spreading the rumours are selfish and have their own hidden agenda" said Bege.
Adding " If things improve at the port as they have currently it is our sons and daughters who benefit but if we continue with fights then we are the ones to suffer so let us be careful."
The elders further lauded president William Ruto for appointing former Kinango Mp Benjamin Tayari as the KPA Board Chairman arguing that he was the right choice .
