Coast leaders in rallying call for unity to advance region's agenda

Leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at the coast have come together to collaborate and advocate for the rights of coastal residents.

The leaders emphasised the importance of prioritising and listening to the region's concerns, irrespective of political allegiances.

Speaking during an Iftar celebration hosted by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Hassan Omar, on Sunday evening the political leaders rallied for the unity of the coastal political leaders.

Kenya's Chief Kadhi Athman Abdulhalim Hussein with EALA MP Hassan Omar during an Iftar celebration in Mombasa on April 7, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi urged the leaders to rethink having a political party to enhance unity among coastal residents.

“When I started the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) Party, it was not an easy one. Today we are calling for unity to plan the 2027 politics while we are in different political parties. As long as you belong to different political formations forget about planning, the ODM will do their way and UDA will do their way and that is the coastal region for you. If truly we want unity then we must look for a vehicle that believes in issues that affect the coastal region,” said Kingi.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi speaking during an Iftar celebration attended by various coastal leaders drawn from ODM and UDA political parties on April 7, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

According to the Senate Speaker, the interest of the coastal region at times does not align with the political parties.

“I remember when I was nominated for the Senate Speaker position, all senators from the coastal region stood firm with me despite their political affiliations,” he said.

Collaboration

EALA MP Hassan Omar emphasised the need for collaboration, stating that those who prioritise the welfare of our people must unite.

Highlighting their similar ages, he mentioned himself and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, acknowledging the opportunities each has been given; Joho within ODM and himself within UDA.

Mombasa residents and leaders enjoying various meals during an Iftar Celebration hosted by EALA MP Hassan Omar in Mombasa on April 7, 2024. (Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Hassan expressed the urgency of unity, stating they cannot afford to wait for external directives to come together.

“We need to support each other if we want to go far. We have come a long way as Coast people...we have suffered in these streets, let us avoid being divided. We need to unite and push Joho forward,” said Hassan.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko echoed the sentiment, condemning those who resort to gossip and insults when leaders collaborate.

She highlighted that although Hassan remains with UDA and she is with ODM, they share a common purpose.

Reflecting on the success of securing two EALA MPs, Suleiman Shahbal and Hassan Omar, she underscored the significance of unity, regardless of political differences, in achieving such milestones.

“It is a new dawn...anywhere a Coasterian is not respected, heard and prioritised we shall walk away. That is our stance as coastal leaders going forward. We are tired of being divided. What we need is motivation and support. I faced my party leader Raila Odinga and informed him my support is with the Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa despite people wanting her out. We need to think hard about where we came from and where we are heading as Coasterians,” she said.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko speaking during an Iftar celebration attended by various coastal leaders drawn from ODM and UDA political parties in Mombasa on April 7, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein/EV)

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib emphasised that despite their political affiliations, they came together as a team to support Hasan Omar's candidacy for the EALA seat, demonstrating the importance of unity for the coastal people's common agenda.

He stressed the need to prioritise serving the locals over political party interests, urging them to move beyond divisive politics and focus on progressing together.

The Iftar celebrations saw the attendance of various political leaders drawn from different political affiliations.

Mombasa residents and leaders enjoying various meals during an Iftar Celebration hosted by EALA MP Hassan Omar in Mombasa on April 7, 2024. (Farhiya Hussein/EV)