Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe during a past media briefing. [Photo/ capitalfm.co.ke]
A section of politicians in the Coast region have asked Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe to keep off the region’s politics.Led by Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi, the leaders said the work of the military is to protect citizens from external threats and not engaging in politics."We are advocating for secession to enable the region chart its own path of self-governance after being mistreated for long,” said Kingi.On his part, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo said it is high time the military focused on security issues and stopped directing politicians on how politics should be done."The military won't succeed in making decisions in politics. Let the security chiefs work in their respective line of duty and leave politicians to handle their issues,” said the senator.Their sentiments were echoed by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya who said Mwathethe should not get involved in political matters."Mwathethe will have no room to dictate politicians. If he is tired with his duty let him resign and join politics,” said the lawmaker.The politicians’ sentiments come after Gen Mwathethe on Saturday warned politicians against pushing for secession of the Coast region, terming the move as a recipe for chaos and war."The country is going through political turmoil and our politicians should talk about unity and bonding other than engaging in talks that will divide us,” he said.