The quest for the formation of the Coalition of Coast political parties has continued to generate heat with youths in Kilifi county now wants the process to fast tracked.
Several youths in Malindi marched to Kilifi county assembly offices to petition their leaders to hasten plans for its formation.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi is leading the efforts mostly called ‘Tufe’ (A rag-like football made of nylon) to make sure the region has its own political outfit in the next year general election.
At the assembly the youths said the formation of a Coastal outfit shall shall unite the region ahead of the 2022 General election.
One of the youths, Harun Bakari denied any grudge with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in the region but felt time has come for the region to have a political outifit.
ODM sponsored almost all leaders to clinch various seats in the 2017 General Election. However, since then some of its members have been moving out of the party to join other parties.
The youths presented their petition to Kilifi County Assembly deputy majority leader Sammy Ndago in form of a traditional soccer ball known as ‘Tufe’ among the Mijikenda community to signify the clamor for coast unity.
Mr Bakari said there is expected exodus of leaders out of ODM and warned those adamant of ditching ODM party to prepare for ‘political tsunami’ in the coming general election.
“Expect a political tsunami since we are determined to send home all those leaders who shall not embrace the new outfit,” he said adding “the Coastal based party and Coalition will not be tribal since it will include all tribes living in the upcountry.”
Mzee Hussein, one of the youths said the region was missing among leaders with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House recently, a clear indication that coastal areas are not represented at the national table.
“When the president called political leaders in the Statehouse, the Coast region was not represented since we do not have a point man to represent us at the national level and ‘Tufe’ shall address this,” he added.
Mr Ndago the coastal region since for long they have been dependent on other parties that did not cater for their needs fully.
“We have received your petition and fully support calls for formation of Coast outfit,” he said adding “residents have been political squatters for years and time has come when we have to build our own house.”
Mr Nickson Charo, the Kakuyuni MCA said Governor Kingi is committed to form a party for the coastal people.
“The deadline to form the party is March and shall include everyone irrespective of tribe, religion, gender and race so long as you are residing in the region,” he said.
Sokoni MCA Gilbert Peru said it was time to put all their differences aside so that the party can be formed to cater for the needs of coastal people.
“We have decided to unite as Coast people irrespective of political parties, tribe, gender and race to ensure interest of the region is catered at the national table,” he added.
Ms Victoria Mnyazi, nominated MCA said the region has divorced other parties from upcountry such as ODM, Jubilee, Wiper, ANC among others for Coastal based coalition to increase their bargaining power.
