Coast leaders raise red flag over MRC

43 suspects at the Mombasa Court in Mombasa County 22nd December 2014 where they were accused of being members of the Outlawed Mombasa Republican Council. The denied the charges and were remanded until 29nd December 2014 on their bond. Photo/Kelvin Karani

Leaders in Kwale County claim the separatist Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) is regrouping and spreading its ideology among the youth in the area.

Speaking in Matuga Constituency during the issuance of Sh6.9 million Uwezo fund cheques yesterday, Kwale County Commissioner Evans Achoki, Matuga MP Hassan Mwanyoha and Kwale County Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga said it was time such groups ceased operating and followers engaged themselves in gainful activities.

Mr Mwanyoha said he was among the MRC founders but the organisation had been infiltrated by people he described as not visionary.

He claimed the newcomers started to create animosity and fighting the Government, which was not the idea behind its inception.

"I am one of those who formed the group but some characters with other interests hijacked it and started doing contrary to what we wantedand I decided to quit," said Mwanyoha.

The MP said it was impossible to fight the Government and urged the dissenting voices to instead forward their issues through their leaders who can address them at various levels.

Access funds

He said there are those who were followers of the group but have reformed and should therefore be allowed to live like others and access public funds and services.

On his part, Mr Achoki was categorical that MRC's time has passed and people should identify themselves with nation-building activities that generate income.

"We should prioritise matters of development and identify ourselves with economic activities such as farming and businesses. Time for illegal groups is long gone," he said.

Achoki warned those "who will be caught spreading fear or disturbing the public" that they will have only themselves to blame since "the Government is not sleeping".

The county commissioner also called on residents to report any security threat to the relevant authorities.

Denied contracts

Ms Chidzuga took a swipe at the county government for not giving contracts to the youths and women groups in the tenders issued in the county.

Chidzuga said residents are left out while outsiders enjoy the tenders, increasing the numbers of local youths who indulge in illegal activities.

"If the county government had been issuing tenders to the youth and women groups, our youth would not be engaging in drug abuse and joining MRC," she said.

The Uwezo Fund cheques were issued to 79 women and youth groups.