Keep off our elections, South Coast leaders warn Island tycoons

MIYA

FEBRUARY 24, 2010

BY EUGENE OMILO

A Coast youth association has warned Mombasa tycoons to keep off Matuga politics ahead of the impending by-election.

Mijikenda youth association (MIYA) has claimed a clique of wealthy politicians and businessmen from Mombasa are out to impose a candidate on the locals for the Matuga by-election.

The leaders spoke during a press conference after an executive council meeting at the Coast car park in Mombasa on Wednesday evening.

“The war is not going to be PNU versus ODM, it is more than that because these tycoons who were used to getting tenders at the KPA through unfair practices are out to revenge by ensuring Mwakwere is finished politically,” said Patrick Birya, MIYA chairman.

The youth leader advised Matuga residents to shun the group as their plan is to entice the locals with money to influence the election of a leader they can easily manipulate.

“What is the point of electing a leader who will be dictated upon by other forces who do not have any interest in the welfare of our people?”posed Suleiman Yahya, a council member.

“The tycoons are disappointed because Mwakwere has made it difficult for them to win dubious tenders at the Mombasa port as they used to do in previous years,” said Yahya.

Birya claimed the tycoons have already hitched a plan to register thousands of voters from as far as Kisauni to help swing the vote in favour of Mwakwere’s opponents. 

“We know these people and tell them not to dare step in Matuga because they have no interests there otherwise they will have themselves to blame,” said Rashid Mwangasare, the association’s coordinator in Matuga.

Mwangasare cautioned the Interim Independent Election Commission officials to be vigilant during the voter registration process to ensure no foreigners get registered as voters.

The group said Mwakwere is the right candidate for the seat since he is in the best position to be the region’s presidential candidate.

Former Matuga MP and Transport minister Chirau Mwakwere lost his seat after the high court in Mombasa nullified his election in a ruling to determine an election petition filed by a disgruntled voter Juma Mwakwesi earlier this month.

ENDS…