Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi at a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Coast opposition leaders have threatened to reignite secession talk if the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fails to cancel the repeat presidential election slated for October 26.Led by Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, the politicians said they will rally residents to push for their independence if the opposition’s demands are ignored. Kingi and five ODM MPs argued that the move is meant to protect the rights of the Coast residents.The five are MPs Paul Katana (Kaloleni), Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Teddy Mwambire (Ganze) William Kamoti(Rabai) and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South).They spoke during rallies at Rabai and Kaloleni.The legislators stated that the demands of the opposition will guarantee the nation free and fair polls following the nullification of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s win by the Supreme Court.The team, however, said that NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga’s supporters are ready to take part in the repeat polls if the irreducible minimums are met.“We (NASA supporters) are ready to go for election anytime but we cannot allow the election to be presided over by an electoral agency that has already taken sides,” said the Kilifi county boss, as quoted by the Nation.They further said that the Coast region is not ready to be part of Kenya if the electoral process will not be credible. On his part, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya said: “Our Constitution allows secession and we will push for the bill to enable us govern ourselves to end the numerous historical injustices that had persisted since Independence.”