Netizens Finger Vocal Africa CEO for Alleged Disinformation Over Ksh100B Likoni Bridge

Netizens Accuse Hussein Khalid of Spreading Misinformation Over Likoni Bridge

Human rights activist and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid has faced criticism from social media users after questioning what happened to an alleged Ksh100 billion commitment for the construction of a bridge linking Mombasa and Likoni.

Khalid raised the issue in a post on X on September 13, questioning why the government was now planning to spend Ksh3 billion on a new ferry instead of constructing the bridge.

“Who ate the 100 billion for Mombasa-Likoni bridge that was given to Kenya by the Japanese government?” he asked.
“Instead of a 100 billion bridge, the government is now only buying a 3 billion ferry. Nani amekula 97 billion?”

He accused corruption of denying Kenyans development while benefiting a small group.

“Corruption in this country is denying people development and impoverishing millions while just a few benefit. Nkt!” he added.

Hussein Khalid Revisits Ruto’s 2024 Remarks

In a video shared alongside his claims, Khalid referred to President William Ruto’s remarks during a 2024 engagement with Mombasa residents.

In the clip, Ruto said he had spoken to the Prime Minister of Japan, who had agreed to provide Ksh100 billion for the construction of a bridge connecting the two sides.

“I have spoken to the Prime Minister of Japan, and they have agreed to give us Ksh100 billion to build this bridge that will connect that side to this side,” Ruto said.

He added that residents should give him time to organise the project and meet the contractor before construction began.

“Now, that bridge will be built. Just give me a little time to organise myself, meet the contractor, and then we build it. Let us forget about the ferry,” Ruto said.

Khalid argued that the promise had since changed, with the government now talking about adding another ferry instead of constructing the bridge.

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Government Plans New Ferry

Khalid also shared a clip of Ruto speaking at Mombasa’s Mama Ngina Drive in 2026.

“We have committed Ksh3 billion by December. We will have a new ferry to reduce the congestion here,” Ruto said.

Khalid maintained that adding another ferry would not provide a lasting solution to the problems experienced at the crossing.

“No number of ferries can bring any solution to the already existing problem,” he said.

According to him, constructing a bridge would offer a long-term solution to residents and reduce the risks associated with ferry operations.

“If we do not get that solution, let us all remember that the effects of this ferry problem are a disaster waiting to happen. Should we wait until people die? Should we wait until accidents happen?” he said.

He also blamed coastal leaders for failing to take action.

“Those to be blamed are the coastal leaders who do not want to act responsibly,” Khalid said.

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Social Media User Challenges Ksh100 Billion Claim

Khalid’s claims, however, attracted criticism from some social media users, with one user accusing him of spreading misinformation.

Kenya West responded to Khalid’s video, arguing that the claim about the Japanese government giving Kenya Ksh100 billion had not been established.

“This is how misinformation spreads on this app. Those privileged to fight for rights deliberately lie to incite the public against the government,” Kenya West said.

The user further claimed that the Japanese government had not publicly released the amount involved and argued that Japanese development financing does not necessarily involve directly wiring cash to the Kenyan government.

“If you cared about facts, Japanese government is yet to release the amount of, also they never wire cash to GOK but contractors mostly their own,” he added.

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