Governor Issa Timamy warms up to Jubilee

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has said he is ready to defect from the Amani National Coalition to Jubilee if the ruling party promises to help his county develop further economically.

Governor Timamy said he would join any political alliance that fights for the needs of the common people.

Speaking during the launch of the Lamu Jubilee Women and Youth League for UhuRuto held at the Mwana Arafa Hotel on Wednesday, Mr Timamy said the ruling coalition had already issued Sh200 million for upgrading three Lamu hospitals and allocated Sh10.4 billion for tarmacking the 135km Lamu-Garsen road.

“If Jubilee wants us to join them, we are ready, provided that Lamu is no longer be marginalized as has previously been the case for the past 50 years of independence,” said Mr Timamy.

(READ MORE: Governor Timamy fighting for political space in Lamu)

Mr Timamy, who was elected on a United Democratic Front (UDF) party ticket, warned political coalitions of tough competition in the county.

“Lamu has its owners and it must be known that the people don’t choose party leaders. That’s why I am from UDF, the senator is from TNA, the MP from KNC and the woman representative from WIPER.

"That should prove that we are people who seek innermost qualities. Therefore, if [partnering with] Jubilee has good prospects for development, then I would gladly join them but otherwise, let them stay away,” said Timamy.

Coast Women and Youth Caucus for UhuRuto regional coordinator Shamsa Abubakar warned Lamu residents against being lured by political brokers whose only intention is to appear in 2017 to seek votes from locals.

“Today we are here in Lamu. Our main agenda is to move to all the six coast counties, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Taita-Taveta to enlighten locals to embrace quality leadership come 2017.

"I know of people who are currently living in Nairobi and Mombasa but appear at the last minute to seek votes from locals. I call on residents to steer away from such individuals,” said Mrs Shamsa.

Since he became governor in 2013, Mr Timamy has had to keep fighting fierce criticism from rivals in the county.

He is now fighting even harder for political space ahead of next year’s General Election.

The governor says 2017 will be a smooth ride for him and has challenged his rivals to show what they have done for the people.

(Editing by Joel Muinde)