Outgoing Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba when he held a series of roadside rallies in Mjambere Ward. [Photo: Rashid Bedzimba/ facebook.com]
Outgoing Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba has said he genuinely lost the August 8 election assuring the new MP he would support his efforts towards developing the constituency.
Bedzimba, a former GSU officer attached to Kamiti Maximum Prison lost the election to Wiper’s Ali Mbogo after an exhausting campaign.On Wednesday, he held a series of roadside rallies in Mjambere Ward to celebrate the win of the newly elected MCA Fahad Kassim, where he told residents to support Mbogo in realising development.“I thank you for turning out in large numbers to elect NASA candidates on August 8,” he said in company of Kassim who is his younger brother.“You ought not to despair or lose hope but rather be calm, patient and wait for my next course of action. Support the new MP just as I support him,” he added.Bedzimba is Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s close ally.In the run-up to the recently concluded general election, he would be seen campaigning for NASA leader Raila Odinga alongside Joho in Coast region.He was part of the team that kick-started Raila’s campaigns in Nairobi’s Embakasi, Kangemi and Kawangware areas in March.“Maintain peace and unity and shun division based on race, tribe, religion or political affiliations,” he said.There has been pressure from a section of his supporters to challenge the election outcome in court.Mbogo who beat him is from Raila’s deputy Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party which is a key NASA affiliate party.