Coast leaders met at Swahili beach resort in Kwale with unity among Coast leaders and communities for development being the top agenda.
Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro the convener of the meeting region was conspicuously missing.
Kilifi County women representative Jumwa Karisa said the ODM rebel MP was not going to attend.
“Due to unavoidable circumstances he will not attend the meeting completely,” Aisha told the Star Saturday.
Some leaders maintained the aim of the meeting was not to discuss the formation of a coast political party, but some insisted that it should not be left out.
Kwale governor Salim Mvurya said that there is need for all leaders in the region to unite regardless of their political stands for the sake of the region.
‘We are not here to discuss formation of a political party for Coast region as it has been claimed by those who want to create commotion. Although we come from different parties, the purpose to serve our people is beyond political affiliations,” said Mvurya.
He said meeting will not announce a political party but a unity that will ensure Coast issues are tackled.
“The area of Tourism and land question are critical issues from Lamu to Vanga to Taita Taveta, people have aspiration to have titles like other Kenyans as well as security. We need to face these issues as Coast leaders,” he said.
Coed minority whip Thomas Mwadeghu wondered why people are worried when Coast leaders meet.
“When other regions meet there are no issues but when Coast leaders meet people are worried, that means our region has something to offer. Our meeting is shaking the country,” he said.
“We have to think how to bring together our resources and their exploitation, taking care of all injustices done to our people and seeking for our space in the leadership of this country,” he said.
Mombasa county leaders led by Governor Hassan Joho attended, all the Tana River county leaders did not attend the meeting.
