MRC’s agenda ‘not very clear’

By Tobias Chanji

The violence in Kilifi where no less than 23 young men have been killed in Tsangatsini and Mtomondoni in Kilifi County is causing new anxiety over MRC’s capacity to disrupt peace and order and the coming elections. On Monday, Prime Minister Raila Odinga suggested the violence in Coast province is created to sow discord within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which is strong on the region.

In Tana River County, sectarian and tribal peace was shattered when violence between the Orma and Pokomo erupted in August leading to the death of over 120 deaths and displacing thousands to areas like Lamu where they are causing new economic and demographic problems in the run up to the polls.

There is growing concern of possible disruption of civic education and even political meetings in parts of Coast after the Mtwapa attack particularly after the assailants had reportedly shouted anti-poll slogans at Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi’s rally.

This is particularly so after it was reported the gang involved in the Mtwapa violence was associated with the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) which has been urging Coast residents to boycott the general election following alleged historical injustices.

Kwale County Commissioner Evans Achoki also rooted for cooperation between politicians and police to secure political rallies.

“While it is true that the problems may not be addressed overnight, the county government mechanisms give the people a chance to elect leaders who are visionary enough and capable to comprehensively represent their interests,” she said.

The ruling made by a three-judge bench comprising of Justice Francis Tuiyott, John Mwera and Mary Kasango observed the issues raised by the MRC are of a political nature and ought to be addressed through political means and therefore advised the group to register as a political party.