Written By Ramadhan Kambi 📝
Kilifi ODM gubernatorial hopeful Gideon Mungaro has been asked to pick current Kilifi Deputy Governor Gideon Saburi as his running mate.
These were calls made by Rabai residents together with Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) in Kilifi County. They have both unanimously resolved to front Gideon Saburi to deputize former Devolution CAS Gideon Mung’aro in the race for governor.
The resolution was made in Mkapuni in Rabai constituency after the initially preferred deputy for Mung’aro Jane Kamto a brother to the late former Kilifi Deputy Governor Kennedy Kamto failed to resign in time to join the ODM Governor candidate.
Since Devolution started under the negotiated democracy principle the Deputy Governor seat was reserved for the Rabais while the senatorial seat was for the Chonyis with the larger Giriama taking over the mantel for Governor.
Eng Saburi who has deputized Kingi for the last five years had sought to become Governor but dropped his ambitions after ODM opinion polls showed Mung’aro was ahead and the most preferred candidate.
However, after the failure of Ms Kamto to resign the locals decided he had to take back the seat of Deputy so as to ensure the seat remained in Rabai.
During the meeting organized by MYWO and attended by hundreds of Rabai community members from all the wards, they all declared that it was Saburi who was fit to take the deputy seat and unanimously endorsed him as their preferred candidate.
Maendeleo ya Wanawaeke officials present were Phedis Shindi the Vice Chairperson Maendeleo ya Wanawake organization Kilifi County, Clarice Makatsa together with Mary Kuduku from Rabai Maendeleo forum.
The officials said they had identified Jane Kamto as the running mate for Mung’aro but due to her failure to resign earlier they together with her chose Saburi as the preferred candidate.
Shindi said Rabai people are lucky because it is Kamto who proposed Saburi and urged them to front her as the deputy governor of Kilifi.
She said when people heard about Kamto’s case people from all other communities developed an appetite for it despite the fact that it was reserved for Rabai.
“It was not easy, it was tough but we sat with her and she assured us that it was true she would not be able to be the deputy but because she is a leader, and Rabai people you are lucky to support her because she told us that we would walk together but as Rabai they would not leave it to go,” she said.
On her Part, Kuduku said for the people of Rabai to get the deputy governor seat they need to unanimously vote for Mung’aro to be the governor.
She called on the community to vote for Raila Odinga as the fifth president and Mung’aro so as to ensure they spur development for Rabai, Kilifi, and Kenya at large.
“We came here to hear the voice of Rabai people, we want you to tell us what you wish,” she said amid reactions from people who said it was Saburi.
Abdalla Shalako a resident of Rabai said as a community they want the seat of the deputy governor to remain in Rabai and since the initial choice for a woman had flopped, they would front Saburi to continue serving as deputy.
“We had all agreed a woman to be the deputy governor that is the truth because of one reason or another it was impossible, but with her permission, we have agreed on Gideon Saburi to continue serving as deputy Governor,” he said.
Mary Kuduku a resident of Rabai said Saburi is better placed to be Mung’aro’s deputy so as to show him the way as he has served already in the position.
“The last three years were rough to him he was not given any chance to serve you because all doors were shut and there was nothing, he could do so let’s give him the deputy and since he knows the house, we will sit with Mung’aro to ensure he is given responsibilities fully and powers,” she said.
Kuduku said they are going to sign an MOU with Mungaro so as to agree on the mode of operation once they take over power.
David Shariff a supporter of Saburi said the Deputy governor has had many challenges during Governor Amason Kingi’s regime that’s why it was difficult for him to deliver effectively.
He urged them to support him so as to ensure he becomes deputy as he was a leader with a vision for development who will help in transforming Rabai.
“We have confidence in Saburi he is a leader with a vision but did not get the chance but with Mung’aro as the governor and him as deputy there is hope for Rabai and Kilifi County at large,” he said.
The Deputy Governor while accepting the decision of the Rabai people said he was ready to take the mantle even though he had earlier had ambitions to be governor.
Saburi said ODM had promised him a senior national government position like Cabinet Secretary, Chief Administrative Secretary, or Ambassadorial posts but since the Rabai people and Maendeleo ya wanawake endorsed him he was ready to deputize Mung’aro.
“Because you have spoken am ready to leave all the senior positions and come to serve you here in Kilifi as deputy governor,” he said.
The endorsement comes even after a group of ODM women early this week demanded that the position of the Deputy governor for Mung’aro should be given to a woman.
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