The Quest for the unity of the coast region went a notch higher over the weekend after Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi called for the folding of the existing coast political parties to support the new coast collation party to be unveiled in June this year. – By Ramadhan Kambi
Addressing mourners during the burial of Anthony Jilani in Vipingo, Kilifi South Sub County, Governor Kingi said folding of the parties, will mean that finally the region has decided to go a step further in bonding their unity.
The coast unity that started through the Dabaso declaration in 2014 has hit a snag several times and every electioneering period, the coast leaders usually split and go into voting as a divided lot.
Governor Kingi said that these queries will be addressed in June when a new coalition party for the coast shall be announced.
Coast currently has Kadu Asili, Shirikisho, Devolution Party of Kenya, Umoja Summit Party of Kenya among others.
“Our force as Coast people is our unity. If we are united, we shall be able to get what we want. But if we remain divided like what I am about to see, then we shall remain where we have been since independence,” the Governor said.
The meeting was attended by Lands CAS Gideon Mung’aro, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Magarini MP Michael Kingi, Kilifi County Rep Gertrude Mbeyu, and Nominated Senator Christine Zawadi.
“If today, Madazyo goes to Shirikisho, Mung’aro to Kadu Asili and Chonga takes Umoja Party and then each of them starts campaigning for their parties. Whom will you listen to as Coast people? That is why it is important that if our aim is to bring unity in this region, then we must fold these parties, and then form a big party as our party for the region in 2022,” he said.
Governor Kingi said the efforts to launch the coast based political party has hit high with prospects targeting its launch in June.
“Most of the engagement about the formation of the Coast party is ongoing and it is not happening in funeral address but in a rather professional undertaking,” he said.
