Coast MPs have disagreed over the relevance of the Coast Parliamentary Group, with a section calling for its disbandment. While some MPs argue that the group is only being used to drive individual and party interests, others say it is a vehicle that will bring fortunes for Coast residents.
The regions political bigwigs, including Trade minister Chirau Mwakwere, Tourism minister Najib Balala and nominated MP Shakilla Abdalla said the CPG has lost its luster.
Mwakwere said the group is a waste of time and does not contribute to the development of the region since it only focuses on party politics.“The CPG began many years back, even before I got to Ninth Parliament. I was the late Karisa Maitha’s vice, but I realised it was not serving our interests,” he said.
Mwakwere proposed the formation of a group for all Coast leaders including councillors.“The CPG has been a joke. They (MPs) should disband it and instead concentrate on their constituencies. Some of them are not even performing. We should have a regional caucus instead to see us through the challenges,” he said.
But the patron of the Coast People’s Forum Naomi Cidi and the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Coast chair Sureya Hersi said the outfit needs to be given time to grow and overcome its challenges.
Cidi said the biggest problem with Coast people is that they are never united and always wait for people to come divide and rule them.“Those opposed to CPG don’t have the Coast people's interests at heart, it is an avenue for us to voice our frustrations and thus we have to support it despite the challenges it is facing. We should also try find solutions,” she said. Cidi, who has declared interest in Kilifi senator's seat, said the CPG still remains relevant and should continue to unite locals.
Hersi said the CPG has of late been about party affiliations, making other MPs including Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, Garsen MP Danson Mungatana, Tourism minister Najib Balala and Mwakwere, feel left out.“The CPG should be all inclusive, it should discuss development agenda for the Coast. There should be a sense of belonging and it should not be led by one party. It is a good idea but lacks proper and vibrant leadership,” she said. But Balala had no kind words for the CPG.
He said despite him and Malindi MP Gideon Mungaro forming the outfit after considering that Coast was not a homogeneous society, it ended up to be a very selective organ.“They said I'm a lone ranger, I have no apologies to make over my actions, and what I know is that the common agenda is about selfish interests. I got fed up since they always oppose any ideas I presented. Even in Parliament, we cannot sit down and have tea as Coast MPs,” he said. The minister said his Mvita constituents comes first and that CPG is secondary.
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