Coast leaders renew calls for control of Mombasa port

A push by Mombasa leaders to control the regional port went a notch higher even as they demanded job opportunities for local youths.

Speaking during a security baraza in Mombasa Old Town Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Senator Omar Hassan, MP’s (Jomvu) Badi Twalib, (Changamwe) Omar Mwinyi, (Mvita) Abdullswamad Nassir and (Kisauni) Rashid Bedzimba renewed their call for the control of the port of Mombasa while insisting it must employ local youths.

The leaders insisted that locals have not benefited from the port yet it is within their jurisdiction.

They also warned the youths against engaging in criminal activities saying they shall be dealt with according to the law. They also promised to take youths addicted to drugs to rehabilitation centres.

“Security is everyone’s mandate; we must be responsible as citizens. We cannot watch as our youths turn into criminals. As leaders we must help them find employment. The biggest asset and land we have as Coast people is the Kenya Ports Authority but we have not benefitted from it.

“Our children are unemployed and the situation is disheartening. We want our youths to be employed at the port,” said Mr Twalib.

YOUTH DESIST FROM CRIME

Mr Twalib further warned Mombasa youths against engaging in criminal activities saying leaders will not support them when they commit crimes.

“We will not stand by you when you kill people; no religion in the world permits anyone to take another’s life.

“Help the government by identifying the criminals among you. Youths should take advantage of the youth’s funds instead of complaining,” he urged them.

Mvita MP Abdullswamad Nassir told the locals to be patient as the leaders were fighting hard for the locals to get opportunities at the port.

He said the youths were spoiling the image of the tourist city by engaging in criminal activities which show an increase in insecurity.

Mr Nassir said Old Town which used to be a tourist attraction has lost its glory due to the escalating criminal activities.

“Children as young as 14 are now armed with crude weapons and are turning into hard core criminals.

"We are told it is due to joblessness but where in the world do you employ a juvenile? You should be in school and madrassa; why the sudden change? What is ailing you?

“Why destroy your future? You will be employed at the port but who will employ someone with a criminal record?” he asked the parents who had attended the meeting.

EXPOSE CRIMINALS

Mr Nassir asked the youths to reflect on their lives and repent while urging the parents not to hide their 'criminal’ children.

Senator Hassan Omar urged the government to change its tactics in the fight against crime in line with emerging trends adding that the Constitution should be followed.

“If you are looking for a terrorist, get him, do not enter into houses and victimise the whole household. Do not shut the mosque and hurt our children. We should be proactive in dealing with insecurity. After completion of KCPE where do our children go to? We should find out what they do?” he said.

Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa urged the residents to identify youths who might be engaged in crime. He at the same time warned politicians against deceiving the people.

Mr Marwa urged the youths to take advantage of the opportunities the government has offered them such as the Uwezo Fund.

He said many of the crimes committed in the county are drug related.