The Committee Overseeing the Implementation of the 10-point agenda under the NADCO report (COIN-10) has condemned the resurgence of political thuggery and violence in public rallies.
The committees’ members expressed fears that the wave of intolerance displayed in recent times could claw back the gains envisaged by the Head of State and the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The five-member COIN-10 oversight committee was constituted following an agreement between UDA and ODM to oversee the implementation of the 10-point agenda and key proposals of the NADCO report.
It is chaired by Dr Agnes Zani, with Javas Bigambo as vice-chairman; other members are Fatuma Ibrahim, Kevin Kiarie and Gabriel Oguda.
Speaking during a courtesy call at the Mombasa County Secretary’s office ahead of a public forum, COIN-10 Vice Chairman, Javas Bigambo, urged politicians to ensure their public meetings are devoid of violence, as it goes against the spirit of inclusivity as envisioned in the 10-point agenda.
“Inclusivity entails inclusion, harmony, and cooperation. H.E the President, together with the late Raila Odinga, ensured that inclusion is prioritized and that there shouldn’t be violence, chaos, hatred, tribal and political divisions that breed violence in the country or political gatherings,” stated Bigambo.
The County Government of Mombasa was commended for ensuring that there is inclusivity in its ranks and files
“The County Secretary has given us a list of policies and measures that can be implemented by the county government and the people of Mombasa. This means that our report of the 10-point agenda can be implemented in a way that the people of Mombasa and the rest of Kenya will benefit even more,” said Bigambo.
COIN-10 Chairperson Agnes Zani also lauded Mombasa for innovative ways of increasing the own-source revenue, ensuring self-reliance and sustainability of devolution.
“We have had these discussions, good ideas that we can also even share with other counties,” she said, adding that the committee has lined up several public forums ahead of submission of a final report on March 7.
Fatuma Ibrahim, member of the committee, also commended Mombasa for ensuring there is gender, youth and disability inclusivity in its workforce. 49 per cent of the workforce are women and 51 men.
“I hope that will be a true reflection because the County Government is supposed to give us a report to that effect,” said Ibrahim, adding that the committee was informed that the Port City had minimal destruction during the Gen-Z and opposition protests.
She welcomed a proposal by the County Secretary to designate the Mama Ngina Waterfront as a demonstration area, as it’s out of town and demonstrators can adequately air their concerns.
Mombasa County Secretary and Head of Public Service Jeizan Faruk said they are keen to exploit opportunities that come with the committee. He also extolled the committee for making significant strides and for holding public forums for Kenyans to give their views.
by Sadik Hassan
