Coast CORD MPs rebel, threaten to form party ahead of 2017 poll

Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung'aro (behind) is joined by some women group and formner Cabinate Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere (left) as they dance out during a rally at the Kibaoni Primary school grounds where Coast MPs said they will stand by him in whatever circumstances. The MPs in soliderity said they will rally behind Mung'aro who was thrown out as the Minority Chief Whip in Parliament by the CORD coalition. [Photo by Gideon Maundu]

KILIFI COUNTY: Coast MPs have threatened to ditch ODM and form a regional political party ahead of the next General Election.

A charged political rally at Kibaoni in Kilifi, where the call was made, brought together 11 MPs, some from the ruling Jubilee coalition, former Cabinet Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere and Suleiman Shahbal, who lost the Mombasa gubernatorial race in the last election. They condemned the removal of Malindi North MP Gideon Mung’aro as CORD’s Minority Whip in the National Assembly.

Mung’aro said he still respects ODM leader Raila Odinga, but blamed his political woes on Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar. He promised to spearhead meetings and discussions on formation of a regional party. “After this rally, we are going to sit as leaders, then move around Coast to seek advice on the formation of a party for the next election,” said Mung’aro. He claimed forces within CORD were using the Mombasa Senator against him.

“As party leader, we will continue to respect you, but let us work with the Government of the day because this is what our people want,” said Mung’aro.

However, the crowd booed speakers who directed attacks on Raila and CORD and those who linked the Opposition coalition to insecurity across the country.

Mung’aro and Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani said they are ready for by-elections if kicked out of the CORD coalition, even as Kilifi County MP Aisha Jumwa declared she would remain in ODM but work closely with Jubilee “and any other party that is ready to accommodate us.”

Although key politicians from Kilifi, including Governor Amason Kingi and area Senator Stewart Madzayo were absent, Mung’aro pulled a huge crowd, with MPs Suleiman Dori of Msambweni, Julius Ndegwa (Lamu West), Athman Sharif of Lamu East, Mustafa Idi of Kilifi South,Peter Shehe (Ganze), Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale County), Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi County) and Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga) joining him. Mung’aro claimed he had wrongfully been accused of working against CORD and claimed he recently used his money to win back a seat for ODM in the Shela Ward in Malindi in a by-election.

Mung’aro claimed CORD declared war on him after he made the so-called Dabaso Declaration at his homecoming last year, where he initiated calls for a local political party. He said things deteriorated when he made frequent visits to State House to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Mung’aro said his contacts with Uhuru had helped push for development funds, including money for roads in Kilifi and Taita Taveta.

Jubilee ties

“If working with Jubilee Government for the sake of development is a mistake, then I urge Raila to remove me as an MP because I am capable of reclaiming my seat on another party’s ticket,” Mung’aro said.

Chidzuga accused CORD of intimidating MPs working with Jubilee and said Mung’aro’s dismissal would not deter her. “I am in ODM and will remain in ODM. But I will work closely with the Government,” she said. She accused CORD of victimising Mung’aro. Ndegwa demanded that Raila quits active politics, claiming the former Prime Minister had lost three presidential elections.

Mwashetani said Mung’aro’s demotion was a blessing in disguise, as it accorded Coast leaders an opportunity to unite and seek an independent political path.

Mustafa said Coast MPs had been offended by Mung’aro’s removal, and warned the move would cost ODM and CORD dearly. The Kilifi South MP said he would remain in ODM, but support calls for a new party for Coast.

Dan Kazungu said he supports the quest for a new party and claimed he had been blacklisted as a rebel within CORD.