Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has lashed at Kilifi politicians displaying reluctance in embracing the formation of Coast Unity, insisting that will pose a great hurdle for the political development of the region.
Speaking during the burial of Coast politician and Kaya elder Mzee Kahindi Ngowa Jogolo in Mariakani, Governor Kingi said it was unfortunate that the push for the regional unity has been left in his hands, saying that it was not his affair but an effort that should be embraced by both the majority and sundry in the entire region.
“When I started this push for Coast unity, it must be known that this was not a Governor Kingi affair but the thoughts of the entire region that after many years of depending on non-coastal parties, it was ripe for us to have our own Coast party (Tufe),” the governor said during the burial.
He further said that after he initiated the push for the Coast unity, he has on several occasions tried to have meetings with Coast MPs but some are very reluctant to give in to the idea.
“I have been trying to bring our Coast MPs for talks on this push for unity, but some have been uneasy with the idea. Kindly let us understand here that the push for Coast unity is not about Kingi. It is not my unity but a unity of the entire region,” he said.
The Governor added that with the kind of attitude he is seeing from leaders about the unity, there is likely high danger that the region might end up in welcoming outside political parties as it is the norm.
“With this kind of situation, there is danger that even in next year General Election, this region might still embrace outside political parties. Kindly let us rethink of our political direction to take as coast people,” the Governor said.
The Governor urged Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa to move out of UDA party and embrace the Coast Unity, insisting that he might face the same fate she faced in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“Ms Jumwa was chased out of ODM and because the party has its owners, she failed to defend her position. But the sad thing is that after being chased from ODM she again embraced UDA, a non-local political party where she can still face the same fate. Ms Jumwa, come and join the push for the Coast Unity,” said Governor Kingi.
The deceased’s eldest son Kitsao Kahindi told mourners that before his death, the deceased had told him to make sure that the Coast gets its political party.
“My father was a prominent Kanu politician and even though he was ailing, he called me and said that even in death, he will support the unity of the region,” Mr Kahindi told mourners.
