Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi led residents in marking this year’s Madaraka Day fete at the Karisa Maitha Stadium, Kilifi North Sub-County.
He congratulated his ODM party leader former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta for their Building Bridges initiative deal and call for unity countrywide, saying it was long overdue.
"I also wish to congratulate our national leaders for continuing with the handshake of unity which I believe will lead to a thriving nation that is free, strong, rational and better than the one we inherited from our independence heroes. The process of healing and reconciling our people is a long and positive one and we welcome it whole-heartedly," Kingi said on Friday.
During the March 9, famous handshake between Uhuru and Raila, Kingi dismissed their unity wondering how it would benefit Kenyans and coastal people.
The two-time governor however reiterated that the people of the larger coastal region would fight for their constitutional rights such as implementation of the TJRC report.
"We however reiterate our stand as people from the larger coastal region that we will fight for our unity and push for the implementation of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation commission."
Kingi indicated coast leaders have resolved to speak with one voice to ensure justice prevails so that the Coastal people regain what is rightfully theirs as they forge ahead to a more unified and equal nation with shared prosperity.
"As we enjoy the freedom fought by our forefathers, let us remind ourselves of where we are from, where we are and where we are heading. Most importantly, we must understand the task before us and dedicate ourselves to patriotism; self-sacrifice and efforts that marked the struggle for freedom and the opportunity to renew our obligation to the undertaking of nation building," said Governor Kingi.