Push for coastal unity unstoppable, says Joho

@Yobramos4            

ODM deputy party leader Hassan Joho has said the push for coastal unity is unstoppable.

He said it is time the region to claimed its stake in national politics.

Joho urged the leaders to set aside their political differences and work together to achieve a common good.

“This time, we have decided in our hearts, with absolute conviction, that we have no other choice. There is nothing that will divide us now. We will be one," he said.

“The entire region, immaterial of your affiliation out there, as a coastal people we shall stand united. That I assure you.”

Joho spoke at Masjid Ummu Kulthum after the Eid prayers.

He was accompanied by Mvita MP Mohamed Machele, Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri among other leaders.

Joho's push for coastal unity has taken him to all the six counties in the region.

During Ramadhan, he traversed all the counties distributing food to the Muslim community and holding secret meetings with leaders of the six counties.

His push for the region’s unity has received massive support from UDA vice chairman Hassan Omar.

Omar said Ramadhan has given him an opportunity to reflect on the region’s needs.

The EALA MP, said the region deserves more than it has been getting from the previous governments.

“We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. That is why the unity of the coast leaders and that of the whole nation is important,” Omar told the Star.

The UDA vice chairmain said their aim is to bring development.

Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe said Coast unity should not only be a Ramadhan issue.

Kushe, an ally of Joho, said the region stands to gain more if it is united.

“The Coast, like any other region in the country, has what it takes to fight for its people and to get a bigger share of the national cake than it is getting,” she said.

“We have to be in the annals of history and produce a president. This is closer to happening than ever before and it will only happen if we are united.” 

“If others can, why can’t we? I am happy to see fellow politicians realising that unity is the best shot we have at the presidency,” Kushe said.

Joho declared his interest in succeeding ODM leader Raila Odinga if he gets the African Union Commission chairmanship.

“We have national ambitions. And national ambitions cannot end at the coastal region. We have started at home. We are consolidating home.

“For us to make sense even outside the region, first of all we must be united,” he said.

Joho said he will traverse the region to look for friends, allies and partners moving forward.

“We have an elaborate plan that you will see it soon,” he said.

The former governor praised christians for standing with Muslims during Ramadhan.

“This whole month, that was our prayer – unity, forgiveness and love. And we ask Allah to accept our duas," Joho said.

“A lot of our Christian brothers joined us in fasting. I have Christian friends who fasted with us during Ramadhan and we would like them to celebrate Eid with us as we go forward in unity.” 

Khatri and Machele said they will support Joho on his mission saying the region is better placed to undergo rapid development with a friendly regime.

“This unity agenda is not a temporary issue,” Khatri said.

Machele said for the region to be taken seriously, they have to speak with one voice.

“The more we are united, the louder and stronger our voice is, and the greater our bargaining power,” Machele said.