Kaya elders denounce NASA's mega Mombasa rally, warn of bloodshed

Former Kilifi Deputy Governor Kennedy Kamto (C) with Mijikenda Kaya elders during a meeting at Moffat hotel in Nyali, Mombasa, October 13, 2017. /ALPHONCE GARI
Former Kilifi Deputy Governor Kennedy Kamto (C) with Mijikenda Kaya elders during a meeting at Moffat hotel in Nyali, Mombasa, October 13, 2017. /ALPHONCE GARI

Mijikenda Kaya elders have opposed NASA's mass action noting it is a threat to security and the economy.

The elders particularly denounced the mega rally set for Mombasa on Sunday "as it could lead to bloodshed".

"We do not want demonstrations or violence in the Coast,"

Sefu Bundwao, a Kaya elder from Rabai, said.

"As elders we are against any form of demonstrations. We are ready to take part in the repeat polls to re-elect President Uhuru Kenyatta."

He addressed a press conference at Moffat Hotel in Mombasa on Friday, after Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir declared the protest will take place.

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Bundwao, said the bloodshed witnessed across the country is uncalled for as wananchi are the ones suffering.

"Coast region has always been peaceful but this could change if NASA leaders organise demonstrations against IEBC."

Benson Mbaruk, chairman of Kaya Kauma, condemned the countrywide demonstrations noting they have stopped business operations and caused tension.

Mbaruk told NASA principals led by Raila Odinga that the protests must end. He told them to organise them in their regions as Coast residents want peace.

The other principals are Musalia Mudavadi (Amani National Congress), Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper).

ELDERS WANT MEETING WITH UHURU

Mbaruk called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to convene a meeting with Kaya elders as they have a special message for him on the problems in their region.

He said they are ready to meet Uhuru to discuss the "burning issues", land and the squatter matter sin particular.

Amina Hamisi from Kwale said those who suffer most during demonstrations are women.

"We want peace. The economy has been affected...we are ready to vote on October 26 and want to see peaceful elections. We do not want to hear of any violence," she said.

Nguma Charo, chairman of Pwani youth Task Association in Kisauni, said is being witnessed in Kisumu, Nairobi and other parts of the country should not happen at the Coast.

"Coast has been peaceful...leaders cannot come here and use youths to demonstrate. People are ready for the election. Those from Nairobi should come and attend the rally peacefully, not cause violence."

The elders said they will send former Kilifi Deputy Governor Kennedy Kamto to the President and DP William Ruto so he can arrange their meeting.

Kamto said they would not allow NASA to organise any demonstrations in the region.

"We are ready to deal with them. If Raila, [Siaya Senator James] Orengo and others

failed in politics...we don’t want your politics, we want development.

On Friday, NASA supporters defied an order by acting Interior CS Fred Matiang'i for protests not to take place in the city centres of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.

Three people were shot dead during anti-IEBC protests in Bondo, Siaya county.

County Commissioner Josephine Onunga said a group of around 20 youths attempted to take over Bondo police station and that officers were forced to open fire to repel them.

In Migori town, three people, including a 73-year-old woman, were shot during NASA demonstrations.

They were shot after

demonstrators moved about 700 metres from the IEBC's office to Posta Grounds.

A crowd had been preparing to burn two mock coffins with dogs inside, representing

IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba and acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

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