A separatist group in the Coast province has been urged by political leaders to give them a chance to taste the devolution system of governance before thinking another way out to solve their issues.
Assistant Minister for Immigration and Registration of Persons Francis Baya said that Mombasa Republican Group which is advocating for secession of the Coast region should hold on their horses first and give a chance to the county government systems which they have been yawning for since independence.
“Our brothers MRC we know they are agitating for historical injustices that this region has faced and marginalization with issues of un-employment, land and resources being the order of the day despite fact that the region being one with a lot of resources which can be used to develop this region.
But its good we first give a chance county system of governments and see if we can solve this issues ourselves because all matters will be addressed at the county government level and not central government as it was,” added Baya.
Baya sentiments were backed up by Minister for Fisheries Development Amason Jefa Kingi who said Coast problem can only be addressed by locals’ votes by electing visionary and dedicated leaders in the county government system during the forthcoming general election.
Kingi has severally downplayed the call by the secessionist group of urging locals to burn votes to boycott general election saying it will not solve the problems but just worsen it.
“Burning votes and boycotting election will not help our youths get jobs, land and our resources well managed but will instead worsen the situation pitting the region which has remained behind for decades,” noted Kingi.
However Baya advised political leaders aspiring for different political posts in the region to preach peace and avoid divisive politics.
He called on locals to avoid leaders who insult others politicians in public and especially those who may be out to divide them as the country prepare to hold general election to avoid chaos.
“We want politicians who will conduct their politics in public peacefully without inciting locals to avoid what has happened in Tana River for the sake of developments of this region,” noted Baya during an interview with journalists in Malindi.
Most of the time Baya said locals are incited by politicians urging locals to avoid such scenes instead to have grounds in electing leaders instead of fighting their neighbors or differing on political matters.
Baya added that it is high time when Kenyans should embrace to harvest the fruits of the new constitution which has provided county governments system which for example many regions have longed for.
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