ODM rebels meeting angers section of Kaya elders

Kaya elders in Kwale County have distanced themselves from a group that attended a press briefing in Malindi organised by Orange Democratic Movement rebels led by Gideon Mung’aro, who vowed to spearhead a campaign against the party in the region.

The elders led by Coast region chairman Abdallah Mnyenhe addressed journalists at a joint press briefing with ODM delegates at Last Moran Restaurant in Ukunda where they castigated the group, saying it comprised of ‘fake people’ picked randomly.

Mr Mnyenhe said the group would have been credible if elders Ilali Mwatsuma (Kilifi County), Willy Tsuma (Coast Secretary), Dadu Kituku from Kaya Fungo and Bega Rero from Kaya Rabai were present.

“Those people were not among us and we do not even recognize them. When I looked at the picture I saw people whose names were not even mentioned,” he said.

Similarly, Kaya Ukunda chairman Hamisi Mwavwiko condemned the rebel leaders, describing their actions as an attempt to cause a division among the Kaya elders.

Mr Mwavwiko said their political position is that they are members of ODM, adding that as elders they will ensure that all those leaders who do not toe the line are not voted back.

“ODM is the only political party which is democratic. Our position as elders is that we are forever going to stand where there is true democracy,” he said.

The sentiments were backed by Kaya Diani chairman Abdallah Boga who cautioned the rebel leaders against disrespecting the position of Kaya elders.

Mr Boga urged the leaders stop engaging the elders whenever they are after political mileage or fighting for their selfish interests.

“As elders were are very angry and we do not want those leaders to come to us asking for blessings during the elections and we will ensure that they lose all blessings,” he said.

At the same time, Matuga sub-County ODM chairman Hassan Chitembe warned Kwale Woman Representative Zainab Chidzuga, one of the party rebels, to prepare for a tough election.

Kwale County ODM secretary-general Omar Boga also weighed in on the issue saying there is no way that local residents and the entire Coast region could vote for Jubilee.

He noted that the residents could have only made up their minds to vote for President Uhuru Kenya if the issues of land, dredging of sand and Dongo Kundu by-pass were addressed.

(Editing by Joel Muinde)