Debate on land spots on, says Mudavadi

By Tobias Chanji and Patrick Beja

KENYA: Amani Coalition presidential candidate Musalia Mudavadi and his running mate Jeremiah Kioni said politicians should speak freely on issues of land and historical injustices.

Speaking at several rallies in Mombasa and Kwale counties, on Friday, they urged voters to reject presidential candidates who will damage the country’s international relations if elected.

Repercussions

At Tudor, Mudavadi said there would be costly repercussions in Kenya’s foreign relations if voters elected leaders with questionable integrity.

He hailed Thursday’s speech by US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, who warned of global repercussions if tainted leaders were elected to high office.

“I absolutely support his (Carson’s) statement. We need to have a friendly government that will maintain good relations with the international community. Kenyans should make informed decision on who they want to serve them in the next five years,” he said.

Crucial votes

He said it was crucial Kenyans voted in leaders of integrity to ensure the country is stable and safe hands.

Addressing rallies in Samburu, Kinango, Kwale town, Lungalunga and later in Msambweni and Ukunda, Mudavadi and Kioni said debate on land injustices in Coast and Rift Valley were legitimate and lawful, though it should not be distorted.

Mudavadi said the Constitution has established parameters in which land injustices should be solved and called for establishment of the National Land Commission.

“We are talking about speedy establishment of the National Land Commission to deal with these issues,” he said.

Amani Alliance is on a three-day campaign trail in Coast. They toured Tana River on Thursday where they promised to tackle insecurity.

Kanu National Organising Secretary Abdallah Bafadhil and Kwale gubernatorial aspirant Simeone Mkala were also on the campaign trail.