Boost to Coast coalition plans as ousted Kingi unveils own party

Charles Lwanga

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi is set to unveil a new political party,  Pamoja  Alliance (PAA), after his resignation as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman in Kilifi county.

 According to his handlers, the new party to be launched next month will join Coast-rooted outfits such Shirikisho Party of Kenya, Kadu-Asili, Republican Congress Party of Kenya, Umoja Summit Party of Kenya, the Communist Party of Kenya in a coalition.

 Kingi fell out with the ODM leader Raila Odinga over his push for the formation of Coast-rooted outfit ahead of the elections next year. 

Following Kingi’s resignation, Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire took to the social media to celebrate his appointment as the new chairman and welcomed back all party defectors saying ODM was in safe hands.

 Party leaders of the Coast parties said they have already agreed the coalition name, colour and slogan, which have already been reserved by the Registrar Political Parties.

Equal partners

 A source close to Kingi told People Daily, the new political party was ready and could be unveiled next week.   

“In the next few weeks, we will be sitting on the table as equal partners. We have been doing a lot behind the scenes and now we are ready. The party will field candidates for elective positions in the country.”

Asked what their affiliation was, the source disclosed: “People confuse parting ways with ODM as joining the hustler movement.

ar from it. ODM is a friendly party and we support the work of President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

We will be meeting to discuss as the Coastal party what is in store for us. The good thing is we now have a permanent address,” he said.

Kingi has been one of ODM’s key pillars at the Coast alongside his Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho.

Kadu-Asili Party leader Gerald Thoya said the five political parties have agreed to approach the 22 General Election as a coalition.

 Shirikisho Party Secretary General Adam Mbeto welcomed Pamoja Alliance to the coalition.

“We have already agreed on the name, colour and symbol of the alliance. So far, we are coming up with rules and regulations to guide while identifying a presidential flag bearer and create mutual understanding among parties,” he said.

A number of ODM officials in Kilifi are expected to defect to  Pamoja Alliance next week.  

 Already, the Kilifi ODM youth league chairman Samir Nyundo, has already tabled his resignation letter to the party.