Political leaders from the coastal region led by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho on Sunday made a major announcement dubbed the Pwani Declaration, where they vowed to reject the August poll results if they are not deemed free and fair.
During a mega rally held at Tononoka grounds, the leaders led residents of six coastal counties in declaring that they would support Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in his quest for the presidential seat.
The residents further indicated that although they support NASA, they were strongly in ODM and would support it in the other positions
Joho accused the Jubilee Government of attempting to impoverish the coastal people by issuing false promises.
The Governor further stated that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto had failed and only Raila could help the nation.
“Only Mr Odinga could help uplift locals from poverty," Mr Joho emphasised.
Kilifi Governor Amasson Kingi on his part cited land as the main problem the Coastal people were grappling with, even after the 2010 new Constitution came into place.
Kingi echoed Joho's sentiments noting that the Jubilee government had failed the residents and only Raila was capable of sharing the national cake equally, unite Kenyans, end tribalism and create jobs.
"This is why Coast residents will die with Mr Odinga," Mr Kingi said.
Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu, who read out the declaration, mentioned that the residents were not benefitting from minerals and tourism in the area, adding that he was confident Raila would win the August poll.
The Pwani Declaration comes two weeks after the president and his deputy received ODM defectors at the same venue
On Friday, Governor Joho promised that the Coastal leaders would make a major announcement on the region's political future during today's Tononoka Grounds rally that was graced by Raila.
