Raila pledges to address land row

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday told Likoni residents occupying Waitiki Farm that they would not be evicted, promising ODM would resolve the issue.

Mr Odinga, while addressing a public rally at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa, said land was the basis for economic development and a solution should be found to the Waitiki dispute.

“As a party, we will take up the challenge and resolve the dispute amicably without any part feeling disadvantaged,” he said.

While dismissing claims that ODM was against the provincial administration, Mr Odinga said under the devolved government, the local administration would be restructured to fit into the new dispensation.

He assured chiefs that they would not be sacked under ODM government, saying their rivals had spread lies that the party would sack them.

“I want to assure the chiefs they will not lose their jobs when ODM takes power in the next General Election but their duties will be restructured to fit into the devolved government system,” he said.

Mr Odinga disclosed that his party was talking with the Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) leadership to register as voters so as to participate in the 2013 polls.

Coast MPs assured their supporters that the ODM government was the one that will solve land injustices threatening lives in the region.

Led by Kisauni MP and assistant minister for Transport Hassan Joho, the MPs vowed to rally behind the 75,000 squatters that are occupying the 900 acres of Waitiki farm in South Coast.

Fisheries minister Amason Kingi said land injustices had also affected the residents of Takaungu after the court awarded the Mazuri family the right of ownership.

Wiper Democratic Movement MPs who were expected to attend Sunday’s rally did not show up.