THE STANDARD
POLITICS
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, who has been spearheading the unity talks and the clamour for a Coast political party accused MPs of frustrating his efforts. [File, Standard]
With unity talks on the brink of collapse, the Coast Region is perhaps coming full circle, with its leadership repeating the errors that have for decades hindered the desired political unity.
It has emerged that traditional turf wars, mistrust or selfishness among Coast leaders and the influence of upcountry votes have impeded the region’s quest to unite ahead of next year’s elections.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, who has been spearheading the unity talks and the clamour for a Coast political party or coalition, appears to have thrown in the towel, accusing MPs of frustrating his efforts.
THE STANDARD
NEWS
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania hold talks at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, May 04, 2021. [PSCU, Standard]
For the past six years, Coast region has borne the brunt of nationalist policies of the Tanzanian administration, which have been blamed for the strained trade relations between the two neighbouring nations.
The tit-for-tat diplomatic relationship between the two nations heightened in May last year after Tanzania banned Kenyan trucks from its territory. This affected evacuation of cargo from Mombasa to the northern part of Tanzania.
Yesterday, Kenya Transport Association (KTA) chief executive Dennis Ombok noted that business through Lunga Lunga, Namanga and Taveta border went down after the ban.
THE STANDARD
NEWS
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania hold talks at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, May 04, 2021. [PSCU, Standard]
For the past six years, Coast region has borne the brunt of nationalist policies of the Tanzanian administration, which have been blamed for the strained trade relations between the two neighbouring nations.
The tit-for-tat diplomatic relationship between the two nations heightened in May last year after Tanzania banned Kenyan trucks from its territory. This affected evacuation of cargo from Mombasa to the northern part of Tanzania.
Yesterday, Kenya Transport Association (KTA) chief executive Dennis Ombok noted that business through Lunga Lunga, Namanga and Taveta border went down after the ban.
THE STANDARD
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (
pictured) was yesterday holed up in a meeting with some Coast MPs, days after Kilifi’s Amason Kingi met the leaders of fringe political parties in the region.
In yet another sign that the two governors have ratcheted up their battle for the control of the region, reports indicate that Joho held an exclusive meeting with some leaders from Kilifi.
When contracted for comment, Joho’s orderlies and close political allies feigned ignorance of the meeting in Nyali that began some minutes past 11am and ended at about 4.15pm. Joho was later in the evening seen playing golf at Nyali Golf and Country Club.
THE STANDARD
Coast politicians have maintained that ODM leader Raila Odinga (
pictured) did not contract Covid-19 during his tour of the region.
The leaders yesterday made public their Covid-19 status after tests, and insisted that elaborate health measures were adhered to during Raila’s five-day tour of the region.
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo said they ensured microphones were sanitised when Raila addressed rallies in Kilifi County.
“If our party leader could have contracted the coronavirus in Coast, the situation could have turned bad within 24 hours. Raila felt sick several days after the Coast tour. We believe he contracted Covid-19 in Nairobi,” said Mr Madzayo, adding: “Raila did not contract the disease at the Coast. He held other meetings in Nairobi after the Coast tour.”