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Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition supremo Raila Odinga has criticized the government’s alleged decision to privatise the port of Mombasa.

Speaking to the press, Raila affirmed that the opposition was strongly opposing the decision claiming that it was made hastily without public engagement.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader went on to accuse the government of sidelining and excluding the Mombasa county government from the decision-making process.

He also vowed that the opposition would resist the plan and ensure it does not sail through.

“The intended privatisation or concession of the port of Mombasa by UDA remains a mystery. We are perturbed by the decision to have the port privatised or concessioned without public participation and the involvement of the county government of Mombasa. One would ask, why is the process shrouded in secrecy? What is the economic value for the privatisation/concessions to Kenyans,” Raila said.

“The people of Mombasa county and the coast region as a whole, Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition does not support the planned privatisation or concession of the port and we shall resist it until the issues Kenyans have raised are openly and adequately addressed,” he added.

Raila’s remarks came after a section of leaders such as Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir called out President William Ruto’s administration over the decision.

The Mombasa governor strongly opposed the move noting that the county leaders will not allow Ruto’s administration to proceed with the plan.

“As Mombasa leaders, we will not allow. We want to know which feasibility study was conducted to show that our port can be privatised. Why don’t they privatise Kenya Airways so that we can get flights to Mombasa?” the governor posed.