Mvita Member of Parliament Mohamed Soud Machele has come to the defence of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, following media reports linking him to an alleged Sh100 billion procurement scandal.
Speaking at RG Ngala Grounds in Mombasa, MP Machele criticized what he described as a “malicious witch-hunt” targeting the KPA boss. He pointed fingers at unnamed individuals he claimed were behind the sensational article published by a national newspaper.
“We have seen reports in the media attacking the Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director, Capt. William Ruto, particularly around procurement issues. I want to caution those sponsoring these kinds of negative articles, often driven by personal or business disagreements, to stop,” said Machele.
The MP lauded Capt. Ruto’s rise through the ranks at the KPA, describing him as a dedicated and experienced leader who understands the operations of the port intimately.
“Capt. Ruto has worked his way up from the bottom ranks of KPA to the top. He knows the port well and has built strong relations with KPA workers. Since his appointment, cargo volumes at the port have increased,” he added.
Machele warned that continued negative reporting could not only tarnish Capt. Ruto’s reputation but also damage the standing of the port itself.
“Let us not politicize or sabotage the port’s leadership. Such attacks also damage the business environment and economic activities at the port. Negative press has real consequences. If we continue tarnishing the image of the port, we risk losing business to regional competitors like Tanzania. Our partners from East and Central Africa could stop importing their goods through Kenya,” he cautioned.