The Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC) and a section of Coast leaders are lamenting what they perceive as unchecked greed, tribalism, and corruption at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
These leaders claim that two tribes heavily favor the distribution of jobs, tenders, and other opportunities at KPA.
They claim that the tendering process disproportionately benefits members of these tribes, and they accuse senior officials of engaging in corrupt practices and nepotism.
“The port has now become a tribal hub for two communities and has become unfamiliar to our people,” a statement from the council reads.
The leaders also claim that the government has failed to fulfill its promises regarding the port’s expansion and ensuring that it benefits the people of the Coast region.
They specifically pointed fingers at Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of exacerbating tribalism at the port.
They also mentioned an officer named Catherine Shigholi, who they claim, through her sister, is reportedly fostering corruption and tribalism at the port.
Allegations allege that a prominent figure within the Kenya Kwanza cabinet is influencing decisions at the port through procurement head Evelyn Shigholi and head of audit Fred Oyugi.
Aza, the MD’s PA, and Charles Kotut are among the others accused of participating in fraudulent activities and unlawful procurement procedures.
The leaders revealed the existence of an office named LIWATON, where the KPA boss allegedly accepts bribes from those tender awards.
One MP, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested renaming the port given the perceived dominance of people from that community in the procurement processes.
The leaders also expressed concern over the recent internal conflict involving senior female officials at the port, which they say has disrupted operations.
These leaders claim that senior government officials have intervened to protect the suspects, who they claim have connections to powerful figures, despite the EACC’s efforts to address corruption at the KPA (including the arrest of nine officers over a Ksh.62 million tender fraud).