Coast Jubilee leaders have cautioned politicians against exploiting the region’s emotive and historical land injustices for political gain.
Led by Richard Barake, the leaders strongly criticised UDA Secretary General (SG) Hassan Omar for linking the family of their party leader to alleged land grabbing and the marginalisation of the Coast region in his remarks on Thursday during the issuance of 33,000 title deeds at Mama Ngina Waterfront, an event presided over by the Head of State.
“The other day, you said the retired President, who is the leader of the Jubilee Party, and his supporters would be buried in the grave of political oblivion,” said Barake.
He added, “If there is anyone who has already been buried in political oblivion in Mombasa politics, it is you, Sarai Hassan Omar. We know your history and your disdain for people who hold differing opinions.”
The leaders insisted that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta deserves respect and has the democratic right to participate in politics as he wishes. They also urged Jubilee supporters to remain loyal to the party and avoid being swayed by handouts to join rival political outfits.
“In 2027, we want Mombasa and the Coast region to elect leaders of their choice and not leaders imposed on them, as has happened in the past,” Barake stated.
He further accused UDA leaders of using the retired President as a scapegoat to cover up what he termed as underperformance in government, claiming that projects currently being highlighted in the region were initiated during Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Mijikenda elder Patrick Mangale cited the completed Dongo Kundu Bypass and Makupa Bridge as some of the major infrastructure projects initiated during the retired President’s tenure, noting that they have significantly eased transport in the region.
Mangale also challenged the UDA SG to champion the return of Mazrui land to the community now that its lease period has expired, saying such a move would earn goodwill from residents.
Daniel Kitsao, on his part, said Jubilee will prioritise youth empowerment, noting that nearly 65 percent of Mombasa’s youth are unemployed, leaving many vulnerable to recruitment into criminal gangs.
“As Jubilee, we will unlock Mombasa’s economic potential. Some leaders are comfortable seeing young people unemployed because they use them as goons during elections,” he said.
Kilifi Jubilee Chairman Michael Kingi defended the retired President, saying several road projects in the Coast region, including the Kaloleni-Mavueni road and the Malindi-Salagate road, which support tourism activities, were initiated during Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
“All those projects were implemented during the leadership of retired President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. We want those insulting and mentioning him negatively at political rallies to stop. If they cannot govern, they should step aside and let capable leaders run the government,” said Kingi.
Kingi added that Kenya belongs to all communities and warned against ethnic divisions, noting that most land transactions in the region were conducted on a willing buyer-willing seller basis.
By Sadik Hassan
