Shakila: Disband Coast MPs’ caucus

By JOSEPH MASHA

A nominated MP in Coast Province has called for the disbanding of Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) claiming the group serves the interest of certain politicians.

ODM-Kenya nominated MP Shakila Abdallah said CPG has no relevance because it has failed to unify MPs from different political parties.

The MP said the members’ are divided along party lines making it difficult for them to work together for the benefit of Coast people.

She said one of the core businesses of the groups was to bring together all the MPs in Coast Province and fight for the rights of residents.

"The group looks as an ODM outfit because it is composed of many ODM MPs who hold top positions.

"CPG has no relevance and it is high time it is disbanded because its members are divided," said Abdallah

Speaking in Kilifi, the legislator said Coast people face many problems, such as landlessness and illiteracy, which have contributed to high levels of poverty.

Settlement schemes

Abdallah took issue with the Government’s plan to put people in settlement schemes in Lamu District without involving local leaders.

She said it was the duty of CPG leadership to call the members to meet and discus crucial issues like land grabbing.

Abdallah said Lamu leaders would not allow the Government to establish settlement schemes in areas like Hindi, Manda and Mokowe.

She said some influential people are using their power to grab prime lands in Lamu.

"Lamu leaders are opposed to the settlement schemes because area people were not consulted," said Abdallah. She said Lamu has many landless people and the Government should allocate them land first before bringing in outsiders.