Goodies brought by new law must benefit our people, pledge leaders

As implementation of the Constitution starts, politicians and professionals from the Coast region are wasting no chance to ensure the benefits that come with the new document do not bypass the region.

At stake now are key positions in the devolved governance system. Coast People’s Forum, an organisation that brings professionals together, is already drawing programmes for a string of meetings to critically look at the new law.

CPF spokesman Beja Zia said the meetings will come up with a think-tank that will be instrumental in deciding who should take what leadership position.

“We do not want to be caught napping and lose out on the goodies that come with implementation of the new Constitution. That is why, as professionals, we should take up a leadership role in this,” Mr Zia said.

During campaigns to have the new Constitution passed, many sitting MPs were excited about the creation of the new posts of governors and senators.

Speculation has been rife that several MPs in the Tenth Parliament were interested in the post of governor which, according to the Constitution, will have more powers and clout than a Member of Parliament.

One leader who had made his stand known is Malindi MP Gideon Mung’aro who is interested in the Kilifi County seat. He has urged leaders to focus on educating the local people on the impact the new law will have on their lives.

“My appeal to fellow MPs, particularly from the Coast region, is that we should focus more on the welfare of the people and make decisions on what one wants to be when the time comes,” he said in a telephone interview.

Mr Mung’aro said the Coast Parliamentary Group (CPG) has organised a retreat for its members to discuss, among other things, how the devolved governments will affect the lives of coastal communities.

“We are calling on all MPs to take this meeting seriously because it will chart the way forward. Let those who have ambitions for the posts of senator and governor hold their horses until the right time comes,” he said.

As sitting and former MPs scramble for seats created by the new Constitution, Taita Taveta County is likely to choose its senator from among two former MPs -- Major (rtd) Marsden Madoka and Mr Mwandawiro Mghanga.

In an interview, Mr Madoka said he had reached the decision after wide consultations and requests from residents both at home and in the diaspora.

He said the general consensus of the people of Taita Taveta is that he should vie for the senate and not Parliament. “I agree with them because we need to create room for the youth to be MPs in order to make legislation that conforms to the aspirations of young people,’’ Mr Madoka said. He said it will be dangerous to form a line-up of certain people.

Reports by Mazera Ndurya and Jonathan Manyindo