Former Malindi MP Gideon Mung’aro’s move to run for Kilifi seat stirs debate

Charles Lwanga

Indications by former Malindi MP Gideon Mung’aro that he might seek the Kilifi governor’s seat has stirred the race with deputy governor Gideon Saburi challenging him to a gruelling duel. 

Mung’aro who is the Devolution Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) last week hinted that he was ready to make a return to Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) where they are expected to lock horns with Saburi.

Mung’aro who has been among the Jubilee pointmen at the Coast has lately been leaning towards ODM after the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga.

Governor Amason Kingi who is serving his final term has been rallying for formation of a party with roots at the Coast which he hopes to ride on to the national political stage after he retires next year.

Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), a strong ally of Deputy President William Ruto, has also declared interest in the seat.

Kilifi Speaker Jimmy Kahindi, who early this year led a group of about 50 Kilifi Members of County Assembly in a declaration that they had ditched ODM in favour of a Coastal political outfit has also hinted that he will run for the governorship.

Saburi has told Mung’aro to expect a fierce political battle in the ODM party primaries.

 “If you have defected from Jubilee to ODM, you are most welcome because when you left, we took over the house.

We are now welcoming you as our visitor but because of  democracy, await tough party primaries,” he told Mung’aro during the funeral of his brother, Josephat  Mung’aro.

Saburi called on Raila Odinga to ensure the spirit of democracy is upheld in the party and warned that days were numbered for politician spreading hate.

Mung’aro said he does not require any permission to return to ODM arguing that him and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala were the pioneer members of Orange party at the coast.

“Even  Raila Odinga knows I have personal friendship with President Uhuru Kenyatta but ODM party is my initial party.

When I joined the Jubilee Party, I pushed for development of the region including the tarmacking of Mariakani-Bamba Road and Malindi- Sala Gate,” he said.

Already leaders of the Shirikisho Party of Kenya (SPK), Kadu-Asili, the Republican Congress Party of Kenya and the Umoja Summit Party of Kenya (USPK) have created an alliance with the Communist Party of Kenya to boost the regional bargaining power ahead of 2022.