Balala, Mwakwere asked to unite

Kwale councillors have appealed to Environment Minister Chirau Mwakwere and Mvita MP Najib Balala to reach a consensus on who will be the G7 Alliance flag bearer in the coastal region. Read (Mwakwere and Balala fight for G7 Coast supremacy)

In their opinion, councillors Said Kalima (nominated), Salim Mwasaria (Ziwani), Nassir Kilanga (Waa) and Mwanda Chirima (Mwaluphamba) said Mr Mwakwere was better placed as coast region spokesperson with Mr Balala serving as his deputy.

“Mr Balala has a right to be a G7 member and he should negotiate with Mr Mwakwere. However, we urge Balala to relinquish the flag bearer’s position in favour of Mr Mwakwere based on his seniority and political experience,” said Mr Kalima.

They noted that the exclusion of any of the two leaders from the alliance would jeopardise its success in the region. 

The two leaders and their supporters have been sharply divided over the decision to nominate a spokesperson to lead their campaigns in the coast region.

Supporters of Mr Balala and his political rivals-including Mr Mwakwere and Medical Services Assistant Minister Kazungu Kambi, traded accusations of incitement, with each camp claiming to represent the region.

At the same time, the four councillors dismissed reports in a section of the media that Mr Mwakwere had withdrawn from Kwale County senate race.

“We strongly refute report carried out in a section of the press that Mr Mwakwere has stepped down from senator race. It is propaganda generated by his opponents,” said Mr Kilanga.

The civic leaders said the endorsement of Mr Mwakere for the seat was reached at a stakeholders meeting held few months ago where the Matuga MP reportedly told his supporters that he was not sure of running mate position in the alliance.

“He has stated clearly to his supporters that he is serious for the senator seat, and as of now he has no tough opponents,” added Mr Kalima.