Widespread discontent at Coast over choice of Balala for mining

The nomination of Najib Balala as Cabinet Secretary, Mining has elicited mixed reactions from leaders at the Coast.

Those opposed to his nomination say Mr Balala represents his own interests, not the region’s. They point out that in addition to his losing the Mombasa County Senate seat, his Republican Congress Party won no elective position even after fielding 14 candidates throughout the region.

Kadu-Asili chairman Milton Mwaduni Mchombo expressed disappointment at being given a “raw deal” by the Jubilee partners, accusing them of discrimination.

“We are saddened by his appointment because it was supposed to be for Kadu-Asili which has a Kaloleni MP and county representatives in Kilifi and Kwale counties,” he said.

Mr Mwaduni criticised President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto for picking nominees on the basis of friendship rather than merit of party performance under the Jubilee coalition.

But the Kilifi gubernatorial loser, Prof Gabriel Katana said Mr Balala should be given a chance to prove himself based on his past performance as minister and mayor of Mombasa.

“This region is endowed with many natural resources that have been used by others to enrich themselves in Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi and Tana River counties without the local communities benefiting,” he said.

Chama Cha Uzalendo chairman Maur Bwanamaka praised Uhuru and Ruto for showing commitment to their allies.

“Most people are judging the nominees at face value instead of taking time to analyse or assess their experience, qualifications and track records before passing judgment,” he told Sunday Nation on phone.

But Africa Nazarene University School of Law chair Dr Morris Mbondenyi took issue with the decision to pick ‘a loser’ in a region that did not lack qualified individuals.
Recycle old order

“Balala has been tested and discarded by the electorate so let’s give a chance to others to be tested under the new dispensation rather than recycle the old order,” he said by phone.

Two local civic rights organisations also criticised the inclusion of ‘political rejects’ in the Cabinet, saying this went against the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

Human Rights Agenda Executive Director Yusuf Mwasefu Lulu wondered why President Kenyatta and Mr Ruto settled on Balala when the region had other experienced professionals ready to take up such positions.

He also dismissed the nomination of Mrs Charity Ngilu as Cabinet secretary for the Land, Housing and Urban Development docket.

“Land issues in this region are a ticking bomb, and we don’t trust Madam Ngilu to be impartial when we know it involves some of the most influential personalities in the country,” he said.

His Muslims for Human Rights counterpart Hussein Khalid called on the parliamentary vetting team to reject eight of the 16 nominees saying they did not meet the threshold of constitutional requirements.

“A nominee like Rachel Omamo is more fit as Justice Cabinet Secretary because of her experience as a lawyer and diplomat. The Defense docket requires somebody like Francis Kimemia who has expertise in security,” he said in a statement.

Anglican Church of Kenya Mombasa Diocese Bishop Julius Kalu criticised the appointment of politicians saying the Jubilee government should have stuck to its promise of only hiring professionals.

However, the Bishop was optimistic the region might benefit from Mr Balala’s appointed to the Mining docket due to the rich variety of minerals found at the Coast.