Raila on spot over taskforce

BY NGUMBAO KITHI and KEVIN ODIT

Kaloleni MP Kazungu Kambi has dismissed the taskforce created by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to investigate historical injustices facing the Coast region.

He said both President Kibaki and retired president Daniel arap Moi had previously set up similar taskforces to investigate the region’s problems without much success.

Raila formed the taskforce last week and asked its members to publish a report of findings in six months. However, Kazungu is not enthusiastic about this, claiming its formation is a vote-hunting scheme by the PM. He said the move to form the taskforce was intended to bait Coast Province. 

“We do not wish to be used as a bait to win support for Raila’s bid for the presidency. He should forget the taskforce and instead focus on helping locals develop,” he said.

The legislator asked the premier to implement the findings of past taskforces on the region instead of setting up a fresh one.

Speaking at his Mwamwinga village home in Kaloleni yesterday Kazungu said: “If the prime minister was serious, he can just look at the several taskforces available and implement the recommendations in full instead of setting up one today.”

Former Bahari MP Joe Khamis said the move to set up the taskforce moments before the polls was not acceptable.

He said the Prime Minister has an opportunity to look at the taskforce reports recommendations to past presidents and implement them.

Kazungu brought together aspirants including including former Ganze MP Joseph Kahindi Kingi.