Leaders in the Coastal region have differed over whether they should form a new political party ahead of the next general elections. Yesterday, Reform Party of Kenya vice chair in the Coast region Richard Osongo dismissed Coast parliamentary group chair Gideon Mung’aro sentiments that such a party is not a priority.
He said that Mung’aros’ sentiments claiming that Coast party is not a priority are personal and not representing Coast region and electorates who want to have their vehicle for 2017.
Osongo was reacting to Monday statement in a section of the media where Mung’aro said that formation for a political party for the Coast region ahead of 2017 elections is not a priority. He said that the plan to form a Coast region political vehicle is at an advance stages and will be unveiled telling off those against the idea.
Speaking to the Star on the phone yesterday, the Kwale politician said that it is very unfortunate that some leaders are not willing to fight for the region which has been for a long time marginalized despite being strong supporters of big parties.
“I want to send clear message to Coast residents that formation of a party ahead of 2017 is on the process and so they should not be worried by Kilifi North MP statement,” he added.
Osongo said that Coast region must have a party just like other regions and so Mung’aro should not mislead other people just because he is the CPG chair.
He said that a political party for the Coast region is a must and those opposing it are bound to fail noting that Coast will not continue supporting other regions.
“If the MP is not ready for this idea let him step aside and because we cannot allow people to trade on mere politics and drag Coast region behind for their own political interests,” added Osongo.
Gideon Mung’aro said that the priority of the Coast region leadership is bringing people together by uniting them. He claimed that the impression of formation of Coast based political party has been a creation of the media which was not their plan from the word go.
“We have always agitated for Coast unity that was our main agenda but the media created an impression of political party formation which is not true,” Mung’aro said. According to Mung’aro once the unity agenda is achieved the issue of political party for the region will come automatic.