Balala, Mwadeghu back calls to form Coast party

By Benard Sanga and Renson Mnyamwezi

Mining Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala and Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu have supported calls for the formation of a Coast-based political party.

Balala has said he is ready to relinquish the leadership of Republican Congress (RC) party for the course.

The idea of such a party was mooted by leaders attending the recent homecoming party of Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro who came up with the so-called Dabaso Declaration. In Wundanyi, Mwadeghu said he would support the formation of such a political party that will be incorporated into the CORD coalition.

Advanced stage

Though Balala was appointed into the Jubilee administration cabinet he still holds the party leadership position of the RC, which markets itself as the Coast region political party.

Yesterday, he disclosed that he had met the latest proponent of the idea, Mung’aro, and discussed the need to form a united front in pushing for the Coast agenda at the national level.

“I completely support the Dabaso declaration and I held a meeting with Mung’aro upon my arrival from overseas trip to voice my support for the idea,” said Balala, adding that despite his portfolio in Government he was still entitled to voice issues that affect the region even on the political front.

Mwadeghu, who is also the Coast Parliamentary Group secretary, said plans were at advanced stage to form a regional party that would politically unite different communities in the region.