State pledges to address MRC grievances

By Joseph Masha and Willis Okech

KILIFI, KENYA: The Government has urged the separatist Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) to drop secession calls as their grievances were being addressed.

Yesterday, Internal Security Minister Katoo ole Metito was in Kilifi for peace rallies where he received 22 people claiming to have defected from the separatist movement.

He urged Coast residents to engage in dialogue with the Government.

“The Government is very much aware of the historical injustices done to the coastal people especially on land and lack of job opportunities and I’m challenging the people to follow the correct procedures in addressing them,” said Mr Metito.

He said the State will not tolerate groups involved in criminal activities like that of MRC, adding those who had cases in court would have their fate decided there.

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Resisting arrest

His remarks came as the State slapped new charges of resisting arrest on separatist leader Omar Hamisi Mwamnwadzi, his wife Maimuna and children.

Mwamnwadzi, who is the MRC chairman, and his family are accused of resisting arrest on October 15 when police descended on them at Kombani in Kwale following a crackdown on separatist leaders.

Senior Principal Magistrate Ms Joyce Gandani reduced the Sh3 million bond to Sh1 million.

However, Gandani imposed a separate Sh1 million bond for the new charge.

In Kilifi, ole Metito was accompanied by Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi, Assistant minister for Registration of Persons Francis Baya, Medical Services Assistant minister Kazungu Kambi and Malindi legislator Gideon Mungaro.

No harassment

Also present was Internal Security PS Mutea Iringo who said the State would not harass MRC defectors who renounce violence.

Ole Metito said Coast residents should participate in next year’s General Election to have a voice in the Government.

“When we held a peace meeting on October 15 at the Government Training Institute (GTI) in Mombasa members, present made about two recommendations aimed at preaching peace and they said they will be implemented,” the minister said, referring to his meeting with Mombasa County leaders last week.

He said a special taskforce under the Office of Prime Minister will follow up issues talked about at the GTI meeting. The former MRC members  were led by MRC’s Kilifi branch chairman Charles Mwango and assistant national youth adviser Meshach Kazungu.