- The Akamba Council of elders Jeremiah Mwongela said the community will join forces with other communities to elect a transformative leader.
- “The current poverty is due to mismanagement of resources. We are looking for somebody who can tap the potential in mining, agriculture and tourism,” he said.
Image: SOLOMON MUINGI
Taita Taveta ODM governor candidate Thomas Mwakwida has been endorsed by a section of Taita Taveta and Kamba elders.
The elders said they unanimously agreed to back Mwakwida’s candidature because of his past experience in management.
In a statement on Sunday the leaders said they had settled on Mwakwida after consultative meetings with all gubernatorial candidates.
Ngasu Taita Taveta elders' chairman Rajab Mwazighe said the ODM candidate had promised to unite the county and help revive the economy.
“Currently, we are focusing on the welfare of every community living in Taita Taveta and boosting the region’s economy that has sunk low,” he said.
Mwazighe further said there is a need for the communities to live together and desist from being divided by politicians along tribal lines.
“My Ngasu elders in Taveta have agreed to preach peace to all communities there,” he said.
The elders said they shall preach peace and coexistence among communities living in the region ahead of the August 9 polls.
Taita Taveta chairman for Atumia ma Thome; the Akamba council of elders Jeremiah Mwongela said the community will join forces with other communities to elect a transformative leader.
He said Mwakwida had proved competent in leading the devolved unit, while the current regime had failed in capitalising on the resources in the region.
“The current poverty is due to mismanagement of our resources. We are looking for somebody who can tap the potential in mining, agriculture, and tourism,” Mwongela said.
Mwakwida who spoke at a press conference after the endorsement on Sunday lauded the elders for taking the lead in enhancing unity and urged other politicians to champion peaceful campaigns and election.
“This endorsement is a big boost to my candidature. More importantly, it is an honour to be part of the team leading peace campaigns,” he said.
The former banker is betting on the Kamba vote to win the coveted seat that has attracted 13 contestants. The Kamba community is the largest in the county after the native Taita and Taveta communities.
The community is predominantly in Taveta, Kamtonga, Kasighau and Maungu and they control election outcomes. Other communities are Sagalla, Kasigau, Pare, Maasai, Luo, Kikuyu and Somali.
Mwakwida promised to have all the communities included in his government once elected.
“Through this partnership, we are going to form an all-inclusive government and every community will feel represented,” he said.
The soft-spoken politician is however facing an uphill task in edging out incumbent Granton Samboja and eleven other opponents.
They include former governor John Mruttu (UDA), Mwatate legislator Andrew Mwadime (independent), Stephen Mwakesi (PEP), media personality Patience Nyange (Narc) and former senator Dan Mwazo (Wiper).
Also George Mwandembo (DAP), Agnes Mwang'ombe (ANC), Godino Mwasaru (independent), Onsemus Mwinzi (independent) and Safina’s Francis Mwaita.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)