Mwakwere says Coast can’t produce president

ENVIRONMENT Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere has ruled out the possibility of Coast Province producing a president in the forthcoming general elections. Speaking during a United Republican Party political rally at Kidutani in Chonyi, Mwakwere said the province has less registered voters compared to other provinces. “Many people have been asking me why am not vying for the presidency. Just do a simple calculation and you will find there is no way a candidate from Coast can beat William Ruto who has all the support from Rift Valley Province,” Mwakwere said.

He asked voters from the area to back his bid to be Ruto’s running mate and stated that in order for the province to take part in the leadership of the country it must be involved in the making up of the next government. Mwakwere urged Coast people not to be misled not to vote and further urged them to vote as a block. “We have to be part of the next government so do not be misled not to vote because the only way to end the marginalization we have experienced for long is to have visionary and focused leaders who will fight and defend our rights” he said.

Mwakwere further called on voters to elect a leader based on previous performance and relationship with the electorate. He said most of the problems in the province are brought  by poor leadership as a result of electing leaders based on the party they belong to and not their performance. He cautioned that the province may not realize the expected developments if its inhabitants do not vote. There have been calls by the The outlawed Mombasa Republican Council has asked the Coastal people not to vote in the coming elections in support of their secessionist demands.