This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
Uhuru Kenyatta's Surprise Visit to Kisumu Port ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta made a surprise visit to Kisumu port on October 15, 2019, where he inspected the ongoing renovation works at the port.
According to reports, the president flew to the lakeside region in two Kenya Air Force choppers, which landed at the port instead of Kisumu International Airport.
Uhuru was accompanied by local leaders and made an inspection of the ongoing works at the port, which has been undergoing renovation at a cost of KSh 3 billion.
The port was set for reopening in August 2019 but the plan was shelved due to incomplete renovation works.
Security was tight at the port as police officers enforced a restricted entry into the port and members of the press were also denied entry.
Uhuru then walked out of the gate where journalists were stationed and turned to Regional Police Commissioner Vincent Makokha asking for his car.
Surprised, Makhokha pointed at his Toyota double cabin pick-up, which was on standby.
Uhuru toured the port, the Kenya Maritime Institute, and the area where the giant vessel MV Uhuru has docked.
It is worth noting that Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o and his deputy Mathews Owilli, who often welcome Uhuru to the lakeside city, remained in their offices as the president made a tour of the port.
They opted not to attend for fear of breaching protocol.
The port is said to be a key handshake project that observers and government officials say will cement the new-found political relationship between Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
