I am the people's choice, have no apologies for my differences with Marwa, declares Joho at Eid baraza

Mombasa County governor, Hassan Joho has dismissed calls to make peace with Mombasa County Commissioner, Nelson Marwa.

Joho said that he was popularly elected by residents and is not afraid of an individual who 'was just appointed to serve the people'.

"I have no apologies for my differences with the County Commissioner, Nelson Marwa. I was elected by the people of Mombasa to lead them," Joho said.

Joho spoke during the Eid baraza at the Mombasa Treasury Square. Marwa skipped the event.

Joho said road blocks in Mombasa were a burden to the people due to the culture of collecting money from the public by the police.

"Mombasa residents are experiencing so much insecurity and the many roads blocks are not helping us, they are actually meant to drain the local boda-bodas and other motorists of their hard earned cash," Joho said.

Kisauni MP, Rashid Juma Bedzimba warned that local leadership was prepared to organise a demonstration demanding the transfer of all security officers for failing to secure the town.

"I see many lorries loaded with GSU officers and wonder why Mombasa is not secure. Police officers must help us stop killings in this town," said Bedzimba.

Mombasa Sub-County Commissioner, Mr Hassan Salim said the Nyumba Kumi initiative was failing in Mombasa because the rich were not embracing the concept.

"The biggest challenge is forcing Nyumba Kumi to work amongst the rich in Kizingo and its neighbourhoods," he said.

He said the county has worked out a plan to share the benefits emanating from the Port of Mombasa, but added it was still awaiting response from the National Government about proposals for a bilateral agreement to enable sharing of resources from the port.

The Eid baraza was also attended by Changamwe MP, Omar Mwinyi, Jomvu MP, Badi Twalib, Kisauni MP, Nyali MP, Awiti Bolo, Mombasa women Representative, Mishi Mboko and nominated Senator, Dr Agnes Zani.