UDA vice chairman Hassan Omar has dismissed claims that his unity push is for selfish interest.
Omar said the push is to strengthen the region’s bargaining power.
“Power respects power. Today, we have directors, ambassadors, PSs and people in different positions of government from the Coast because of political power,” he said.
He spoke in Junda, Mombasa county during an event that brought together ODM and UDA leaders on Saturday.
“If you think the unity push is fake, then stay out of it. We will soldier on without you. But do not regret later and start coming to us crying,” he said.
Omar said he only wants to help Coast get its fair share of the national cake.
He was responding to former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo who said the unity push is to benefit certain individuals.
Mbogo, who spoke at the same function, said he should be counted out of the push if it is not for the people.
“We want to protect our resources. That is why people look for political power. (Mombasa Senator Mohammed) Faki says our natural palm wine is being poured yet other drinks like muratina are not. This is because some people in power see us as weak and unable to defend ourselves,” Omar said.
Faki had raised concern over the harassment of palm wine sellers, porpularly known as mnazi while miraa and muguka are sold everywhere in the country.
“The palm wine is a natural drink and nothing is added to it while miraa and muguka have caffeine and other narcotics,” he said.
“When we are united, we will have a stronger voice and be able to influence government decisions. We will influence national politics and nation al development. People are sidelined or included in matters because of political power,” Omar said.
Omar said he is close friends with Speaker Aharub Khatri of ODM, despite their different political outfits.
Khatri said he has a good working relationship all MCAs in the assembly despite their political affiliations.
“I do not segregate leaders on the basis of their parties because we are all working for the same people. It is unity of purpose,” he said.
“I tell President Ruto every day, my friendship with him must be beneficial to the people of Mombasa and citizens of Kenya. Our friendship is nothing if the interests of Mombasa people are not prioritised,” Omar said.
He praised Senator Faki for fighting for Mombasa people in the Senate.
“I have heard of his efforts in the Senate. I want the best for despite our political differences. Politics is not hatred. When you do the right things, we will stand with you,” Omar said.
The EALA MP announced his support for former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to become ODM leader should Raila Odinga win African Union Commission chairmanship.
He said Joho's leadership will be benefit the Coast.
On the UDA elections on June 22, Omar said there will be no consensus.
The elections will go on as planned and everyone should work hard to win votes, he said.
“That political battle ground is what we want. No one will be endorsed,” he said.
Mbogo had warned him against endorsing individuals.
“Please, Omar. Do not endorse anyone. Let us fight it out on the ground,” he said.
