Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has demanded transparency in Lamu Port investment agreements, rejecting claims that the opposition opposes foreign investment. Speaking to journalists after visiting abducted activist Collins Otieno at Life Care Hospital, Musyoka stated, 'We welcome investment but require due process, public benefit, and accountability in major infrastructure deals.' He criticized opaque transactions that prioritize private gain over national interests, stressing that strategic assets like the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor must serve Kenyan citizens. 'Lamu Port must be for Kenya and for Kenyans, not a few individuals,' he emphasized, urging the government to ensure local communities benefit from such projects.
Musyoka, a former vice president and key architect of Vision 2030, highlighted his role in shaping the LAPSSET corridor alongside former President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He reiterated that the project was designed as a national priority to drive economic development but warned against 'opaque deal-making' that risks undermining public trust. 'Public-private partnerships must adhere to strict transparency standards, with community participation in procurement processes,' he said, citing the need to prevent corruption and ensure equitable outcomes for Kenyans.
The former vice president's remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Kenya's infrastructure investments, particularly those involving foreign entities. Musyoka's call for accountability aligns with broader public concerns about the equitable distribution of resources from large-scale projects. His statements also underscore the political tensions surrounding national development initiatives, where opposition leaders often balance advocacy for economic growth with demands for ethical governance. 'Kenyans must be the ones to benefit,' he reiterated, framing transparency as a non-negotiable condition for sustainable progress.
Musyoka's focus on Lamu Port reflects the project's significance as a cornerstone of Kenya's regional connectivity strategy. The corridor, intended to link the East African interior to the Indian Ocean, has faced delays and controversies over implementation. By linking his transparency demands to the project's legacy, Musyoka positions himself as a guardian of public interest in high-stakes infrastructure deals. His appeal to the government to prioritize 'public participation and transparency' sets a clear benchmark for accountability in Kenya's development agenda.