Leaders reject vetting plan by Kaya elders

Council of Coast Kaya Elders Chairman Ali Mnyenze (left) and his vice Shaban Ndegwa at a past event. Kilfi opinion leaders have rejected an attempt by the Kaya Elders to vet aspirants for the 2017 General Elections. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • Council of Kaya Elders Chairman Abdalla Mnyenze said committees were being set up for the vetting.
  • Kilifi County Assembly Deputy Speaker Teddy Mwambire said the vetting would only confuse residents.

Kilfi opinion leaders have rejected an attempt by the Council of Coast Kaya Elders to vet aspirants for the 2017 General Elections.

Responding to questions by the Nation on Wednesday in Kilifi town, they told the elders to concentrate on protecting coastal traditions and kayas (holy groves).

Pwani University lecturer Gabriel Katana said the legitimacy of the vetting was questionable in a cosmopolitan region with diverse cultures.

“It might be a good idea because of underdevelopment in the area and sharp divisions among leaders, but the question is on whose interest will they carry out the vetting,” he said.

Kilifi County Assembly Deputy Speaker Teddy Mwambire said the vetting would only confuse residents. He said the region had people from different backgrounds.

“If I am a Christian or a Muslim who does not believe in kayas, how do you expect me to agree being vetted by the elders,” he said.

ASPIRANTS

Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation Kilifi chairperson Witness Tsuma said the vetting was a political gimmick by the elders and will not help in choosing the right leadership for the region. She said the elders should be pushing politicians to form a regional political party instead.

Two weeks ago, Council of Kaya Elders Chairman Abdalla Mnyenze said committees were being set up for the vetting.

Kaya elders in the Coast region command huge authority and respect among politicians and the locals.

In the March Malindi by-election, the elders through their Malindi District Cultural Association called out on aspirants and indeed vetted those who took part in the by-elections.

The elders led by the association’s secretary general, Karisa Mwarandu, ranked all the nine aspirants according to their competencies.

Their vetting mainly touched on how one would transform the lives of the people once elected to Parliament. Philip Charo, who was later to vie on a Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) topped the list with a score 50.1 per cent, ahead of Justine Baya  who had 47 percent.

Others who were vetted included Attas Sharrif who came third with 42.5 per cent. ODM’s William Mtengo won the seat.