Register as voters, MRC supporters told
What you need to know:
- Addressing journalists in Ministry of Information office in Kwale Town on Thursday, Gombato/Bongwe Ward Rep Omar Boga said the judgment has to be treated with a pinch of salt.
- Mr Boga, who is also an aspirant for Msambweni parliamentary seat, asked the Jubilee administration to address the issues which are affecting the Coastal people as a whole.
Members of Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) have been asked to register as voters and take part in the 2017 polls as they seek audience with the government.
This came as members and supporters of the group celebrate a decision by the appellate court to lift a ban which was imposed on the group six years ago.
Addressing journalists in Ministry of Information office in Kwale Town on Thursday, Gombato/Bongwe Ward Rep Omar Boga said the judgment has to be treated with a pinch of salt.
He alleged that the judgment might be a gimmick by government to make Coast residents not to register as voters only to be slapped with another ban after the general election.
“I would like to urge the members of MRC to ensure that as they celebrate they should also make sure that they register as voters and have their votes handy,” he said.
Mr Boga who is also Kwale County ODM Secretary General supported the sentiments that the coastal region has been marginalized for so long and also MRC not being a violent group.
However, he expressed fear that just like the ruling which was made a few months before 2013 general election, supporters of the group might not register as voters.
“I respect the decision of the court but I would like to urge Coast residents to register as voters and look at the decision extensively and take it lightly,” he said.
Mr Boga, who is also an aspirant for Msambweni parliamentary seat, asked the Jubilee administration to address the issues which are affecting the Coastal people as a whole.
He noted that the issues of land, unemployment and infrastructural development are at the hearts of Coastal people and once they are addressed there will be no problem.
“There are so many ways of looking at this issue. Therefore, my appeal is that they should study the ruling and consult before jumping on something they do not know,” he said.
The secessionist group has not changed its stand that “Pwani Si Kenya” (Coast is not part of Kenya) even as it calls for negotiations with the government.
