NARC Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, has warned leaders elected under the Azimio la Umoja Coalition to beware of attempts from the government to divide them.
Speaking during the inauguration of Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir in Mombasa, Karua reiterated the need to stick together and protect the plight of Mombasa constituents.
"They will do all they can to take Mombasa, I encourage you to stay together and stay behind those you elected," she stated.
"It is not necessary that you have to run those who have taken power to deliver for your people," Karua added.
Further, she implored the leaders to work towards ensuring the rights and needs of Mombasa constituents are addressed. In particular, Karua urged the new governor to demand higher stakes for Mombasa County in the gains accrued from the port and other resources at the coast.
“If those whose counties have oil are given a stake, this port is your oil. Mombasa should have a stake in whatever profit is made in the port.”
Nonetheless, the seasoned lawyer pleaded with Abdulswalmad to collaborate with the national government in delivering his mandate. She reiterated that collaborating with the government should not be taken for submission.
“I want to say to Governor Abdulswamad, collaborate with the government that has taken power. But collaborate from a position of strength, not kneeling down,” Karua implored the leaders.
As to her role in the opposition, Karua stated that she will be ready to call out the government whenever the need arises.
"This is not the end of the road. We might be on vacation but the in serving the public you cannot go on permanent vacation. Whenever we will be required to speak on issues, our voice will be heard," affirmed Karua.
She also maintained that she is considering pursuing further redress at the East Africa Court of Justice.
On his part, newly elected governor Abdulswamad welcomed the return of port operations in Mombasa after the order from President William Ruto.
In his inaugural speech, Abdulswamad stated that he is willing to join hands with the national government.
"As the governor of Mombasa - despite being in Azimio - let me restate my responsibility to uphold the Constitution and in particular the spirit of one central government and 47 county governments," he stated.
"In that respect, I wholeheartedly and unreservedly welcome the recent directive by His Excellency the President to revert port services to the County of Mombasa. This is a bold step in the right direction towards the economic revival of our county," he stated.
Also in attendance were Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Mombasa governor, Ali Hassan Joho.
