This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
The much-anticipated commissioning of the Kisumu Port, scheduled for last week, has been delayed indefinitely.
The reason behind the delay lies in the sporadic demolitions that took place in the central business district, targeting hawkers who have invaded parcels of land belonging to Kenya Railways.
According to sources on the ground, politics played a significant role in the delay, with Deputy President Dr. William Ruto insisting that ODM leader Raila Odinga must first clear the restive political atmosphere on the ground.
It has been reported that Ruto was concerned about being heckled during the launch, which would have caused an embarrassment to heads of states from the Great Lakes region who were scheduled to attend.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga were set to co-host the event alongside Ruto, who had recently visited the Port to oversee the ongoing work.
The demolitions have created a volatile political atmosphere, with the launch's dates yet to be confirmed.
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o was scheduled to address a press conference over the issue but it never materialized.
Members of the media waited for hours before leaving the governor's boardroom, while Kisumu Central MP Fred Ouda pleaded with his constituents not to crucify him over the unfolding events.
Hundreds of people have been rendered jobless as a result of the demolitions in the CBD, with many left wondering what to do next.
Notable heads of state who were supposed to attend the launch included Presidents John Magufuli (Tanzania), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), and Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), among others.
