Caption: Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho at a past function.Photo/www.citizentv.co.ke
As leaders from Ukambani express mixed reaction over Raila-Kalonzo lineup, Coast Kaya leaders have called upon Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, also ODM Deputy Leader to defect from the National Super Alliance (NASA) ahead of the next general polls.
According to the elders, the alliance gave Joho nothing during the naming of its lineup despite his commitment and dedication to ensure that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto do not retain power in the forthcoming General polls.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Rama Mwangombe the patron of the Kaya Elders at the Coast claimed that leaders from the Coast have not been given any deal despite their contribution in the alliance. He also said that the communities living at the Coast have been sidelined when it comes to matters of national interest, adding that this time round they are not ready to be taken for a ride as we head to the polls.
“We urge our son (Joho) to move out of NASA, this is because he was not given any opportunity in the umbrella body. NASA has no party that owes its origin in the coast, unlike other co- principals,” he said, as quoted by Baraka FM.
Shaaban Ndegwa, a member of the elders in the council, said that residents of this region are now long ready for ethnic politics, adding that they will not be used by leaders who want to rise to power for selfish gains.
“We are not ready to be divided along tribal ethnical lines. We urge every Kenyan to maintain peace during this period.” Ndegwa said.
Their remarks were reiterated by the chairman of the Kaya Elders Council, Abdalla Mnyenze who claimed that residents of this area have been misused for many years, adding that time has come for them to stand up and say no.
“The coastal people have been politically misused by the past regimes and I believe this is our time to show them that we also exist. We urge our leaders to join the ruling party if we are to talk about development at the coast,” he said.
Joho will be defending his seat in the forthcoming general polls. Mombasa Senator Omar Hassan and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti have also expressed interest in the seat.