MPs up in arms over KPA’s new board

By Tobias Chanji

Two MPs have protested against the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) new board of directors.

Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi and Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu said the new board was dominated by members from one region.

Speaking at a Mombasa hotel on Sunday, the MPs blamed marginalisation for the emergence of groups like the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC).

"Because of marginalisation and tribalism small groupings like MRC are springing up due to the displeasure of how the Government has been treating them and our course to talk to this group to tone down is difficult because of what ministers are doing," said Kingi.

He added that as coastal MPs they were under pressure to explain why the region was left outside.

process

"KPA has so much attachment with the people from this region. Coast people are saying they are opposed to the names and want the process to be started again so that regional balance is achieved. We request the Minister for Transport to listen to the voice of this region so that it reflects the nation," he added.

On his part, the Wundanyi MP said he was going to sponsor a Motion in Parliament next Wednesday that will see the names refuted and at the same time urged ministers from the region to resign if the decision will not be rescinded.

"Let the ministers together with those who were appointed to the board resign so that those who did this mess will correct it," Mwadeghu added.

At the same time, Kingi termed the call by MRC to secede as retrogressive and urged the Government, in which he works, to look at the events leading to its formation.