President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta at a past function. [Photo/nairobinews.nation.co.ke]
The National Council of Churches of Kenya, Lamu branch, has asked President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto not to ignore the push for the secession of the Coast region. NCCK Lamu chairman Charles Herya said it would be wise for the government to listen to the issues being raised by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi Counterpart Amason Kingi. Herya argued that the push for secession has been brought about by the historical injustices that Coast residents have been subjected to since independence.He further noted that Coast residents have been exploited by past regimes, adding that there is need for their grievances to be addressed. “The Coast region has been thoroughly exploited in all manner of ways. Clerics have been killed in various parts of the region. Youth have disappeared without a trace after they were reported to have been arrested by police. In such cases, justice has never been served,” said Herya, as quoted by Baraka FM.The NCCK chair said residents feel the current and past governments have done little to protect the interests of the region.His remarks come after a section of youth in the county vowed to support the secession campaign.