Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is set to meet his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi over latter’s push for a Coast party.
Joho told the Star that since Kingi made the announcement, they have not discussed the matter.
“Kingi and I have not spoken about the party but we will consult. I will get to hear from my brother what the plans are,” Joho told the Star on Monday.
Last week, Kingi said Coast leaders will form their own political party to push for their people's development agenda.
Saying discussions on the new party had begun, the Kilifi boss also announced the region will go it alone in the 2022 General Election.
The Star is reliably informed that top on the agenda during the duo’s meeting with be the presidential race.
They have both announced their presidential ambitions.
It was latter agreed a retreat will planned and one candidate fronted as Coast presidential candidate.
The party of choice was made open, leaving room for alliances and negotiations.
However, in what appeared as a departure from Kingi's proposal, Joho
hinted that regional grouping will not be prioritised ahead of 2022 polls.
He said focus will remain on a “national party”.
“What I know is that we (the two governors) will move forward together. My strong feeling is that we will be in a national party,” Joho said.
Joho is the ODM national deputy leader while Kingi heads the Kilifi branch.
ODM has support base across the country, unlike any other Coast outfit.
Sources close to Joho divulged Kingi will be persuaded to drop his clamor for Coast party.
Compared to Kingi, Joho enjoys massive and a cult-like following in the region. His strong support for opposition leader Raila Odinga has endeared him to his Nyanza backyard. Joho was the only Coast governor who attended Raila's swearing.
Critics have poked holes on the rushed move for a Coast outfit, saying it’s a “uphill battle”.
Faraj Mwangonme, the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics vice chairman said in-depth discussions are crucial as similar plans have flopped in the past.
“Constitutionally, any political party must have followers countrywide. We had Shirikisho and Kadu Asili parties, and it has been proved it’s difficult to make them have a national outlook,” he said.
He said the regional party ought to be used for political bargain.
Kingi said most of the problems affecting residents can only be addressed if the region has its own political party.
“In 2022, we'll not join any party. We'll build our own house with enough bedrooms to accommodate all of us. Borrowing from others has brought us many problems,’’ Kingi said.