President Uhuru Kenyatta and AU Envoy Raila Odinga were over the weekend in Kisumu where they attended a burial ceremony, but later, in a breach of protocol, they were driven away from the Kisumu International Airport in two unmarked cars. Why could they opt to do this? Well, the president was on his way out of the lakeside town after attending the burial of former Youth Fund CEO Bruce Odhiambo.
But before Uhuru boarded his plane, whose engines were already running in preparation for taking off, he was pulled aside by Raila who must have briefed him of the development.
The president left his plane with its engines running and proceeded with the tour without bodyguards. His flight to Nairobi was delayed for about four hours.
According to The Star, the Nasa leader had planned that Uhuru tours the port but they were pressed for time.
However, while on their way from Bruce’s burial, Raila said he would speak with the president to consider taking the tour since planning another one would take more time.
The local daily reported that the two leaders opted for a low-key ride to avoid attracting the attention of Kisumu residents who wouldn’t have let them pass without being addressed.
The government, through the Kenya Ports Authority, has embarked on works to revive the facility which has been wasting away for years.
Much as it receives ships ferrying goods to and from Kisumu, the neglected port is shallow and cannot allow larger ships to dock.