Nyali MP Hezron Awiti has declared interest in the Mombasa governor seat and hit out at Cord leader Raila Odinga for “meddling with the region’s politics”.
Awiti said he will not be cowed and asked Raila to allow area residents to choose their own leader, adding the Cord leader will not block his ambitions of becoming the next governor of Mombasa.
Last year, Raila asked Awiti to stop campaigning for the seat that is currently held by Hassan Joho.
Addressing his supporters at Changamwe on Sunday, Awiti also refuted reports he was going to deputise businessman Suleiman Shahbal in the upcoming general election as earlier claimed.
“I will not deputize anyone. I am going for the seat,” the MP said.
He did not disclose who will be his deputy, but sources close to him have hinted the possibility of Awiti teaming up with Mombasa senator Hassan Omar.
It is not clear how Awiti will play his cards considering Omar has also declared his intention to vie for the same seat.
Both Awiti and Omar were elected on the Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Democratic Movement Party ticket.
Awiti said although “plans have been choreographed to deny him”, he intends to vie on a Wiper ticket.
“They are planning to block me as they want to plant their own,” he said, adding he will continue to consult with voters should he be denied the ticket.
“My decision to vie was made after wide consultations with relevant stakeholders, and what I have said will be fulfilled.”
The Nyali MP vowed to tackle insecurity, poor drainage, poor education system, dwindling trade and tax evasion once elected, saying a clique of tycoons in Mombasa use their positions to avoid paying taxes.
“Within 90 days after my election, I will ensure that security has been restored in Mombasa. We all know who are causing chaos and I will deal with them,” he said.
“We will also stop the crying of Mijikendas. We shall reclaim their lands that were grabbed.”
