Coast opposition politicians on Sunday said that ODM leader Raila Odinga is the region’s choice for NASA presidential candidate.
This was part of their ‘third and final liberation declaration’ during a well-attended rally at Tononoka grounds.
They said it is only Raila who will save locals from the biting jaws of Jubilee government.
“Our preferred choice for the presidency has been and continue to be Raila Odinga,” Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu said.
While reading the declaration, he said natural resources and economic interests will define their political choices.
Mruttu said residents and leaders had resolved that they will not accept anything short of a free and fair election in August.
“We shall hold the IEBC fully responsible for meeting this expectation,” he said, adding they will vote for NASA as a bloc.
“We have resolved to vigorously support the establishment of an inclusive NASA government in the upcoming polls.”
He said in consideration to Coast history, journey and destiny, they prefer the devolved system of governance.
Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa)and Amason Kingi (Kilifi) stood by their Taita Taveta counterpart.
Mruttu, at the meeting attended by several ODM politicians, said they agreed that the best political vehicle should be ODM.
“Let this be the beginning of the reawakening of the consciousness of our people, the renaissance of our people and the new focus of our journey,” he declared.
Raila on his part castigated Jubilee saying the administration is responsible for the trials and tribulation Coast residents face.
In agreement with the declaration, Raila committed to implementing the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission report if he is elected president.
“I will fully implement the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Report within 100 days in office,” he said.
He further pledged to respect the institution of the National Land Commission and allow it to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
Raila also said he will devolve at least 47% of national revenue to county governments regardless of their political affiliation.
“I will also facilitate the passage of an amended Natural Resources Bill stating that at least 15% of local natural resource revenue remain at the counties.”
He also pledged to facilitate the establishment of a health service commission.
The ODM leader said the solution to Coast’s historical injustices was not on issuing title deeds but rather surrendering of grabbed lands.
He said JP leaders should not ask about what the grand coalition did while in power.
“My government handed over the TJRC report to Uhuru and not Kibaki. Why has it not been implemented?” he asked.
The opposition chief revisited the killing of Muslim clerics, adding that Jubilee has fueled extrajudicial killings and forceful disappearances.
“They have targeted Muslims. We have witnessed arbitrary arrests. Police are now intimidating Jubilee opponents. This must end,” Raila said.
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