A section of Coast leaders have questioned a decision by some local MPs, governors and senators to support Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba for the secretary general post in ODM elections slated for Friday and Saturday.
They said the decision to support Ababu and not Dr Agnes Zani is a "total betrayal" of coastal unity. Delegates from Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi met at Castle Royal Hotel where they accused the Namwamba group of making unilateral decisions.
Kinango ODM subcounty chairman James Dena said the leaders did not consult them before making the decision. “We are the delegates. We are the ones who will vote. Some of those leaders are not even delegates,” he said.
Dena said Coast wants a bigger position in the party. Tismba-Golini ODM chairman Hamisi Rachuo said they are tired of being used to support other people’s choices.
“Now we also want support for our own candidate, that is why we support Zani,” he said. Voi’s Elias Mwachika said Zani is educated and has a firm stand which will take the party forward.
Speaking at Nyali International Hotel last week, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said Zani had to be sacrificed in favour of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. He said it will be selfish for Coast region to present more candidates than the number of vacant posts.
“It would not be wise if we pushed all those seeking positions in the party from the Coast region. There is a danger that we might miss all the seats,” Kingi said.
