By Agnetta Okwemba
Coastal religious leaders have embarked on a society empowerment plan saying that they will not accept to be led politically any more.
The Muslim and Christians leaders made it clear that they will not “sleep” like before and that politicians should come in to support and not to direct.
Religious leaders across the 6 coastal counties met in Mombasa to discuss their potential and contribution in community development.
“It has taken us years to show up in the development of the coastal region,” said Said Mabrouk.
They said that the region is rich in many resources that can benefit and economically empower locals if put into work.
In what looks like a religious leadership awakening movement in the Coastal region, the leaders took issue with how best to help residents in rural areas to benefit from their resources as their right enshrined in the Kenyan constitution
Religious leaders have in the recent past left divided with a section supporting one political divide while others supporting another one, their followers stood confused completely.
They further emphasized on prioritizing those within close proximity of a project to benefit from it.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) honored their invite to draw attention to resources in the Coastal region that can be maximized on.
In their discussion they said that residents close to resources should be the first beneficiaries in terms of employment pointing their target to big investments like Kenya ports authority.
“This is a journey of wanting to tap into our resources thus inviting organizations to share the resources present,” said Sheikh Abu Katada.
They also criticized the mode of governance from Coastal leadership while calling for people to own their space on accountability by putting the governments in check every time.
“The government is mandated to deliver services to its citizens, we will call on our people to stand up and benefit from these resources, “said Mabrouk.
The leaders anonymously said that they will be sourcing for organizations tenders and fair distribution of employment opportunities for locals.
The religious unity group identity will be unveiled soon after meeting to deliberate on the way forward for the Coastal region.
Bishop Paul Mwaura said that unlike the GenZs, their outfit leaders and their objectives clearly articulated.
The Coastal religious outfit is also set to meet various organizations on how residents can be empowered through opportunities and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSRs).
Formation of the Coastal religious outfit that brings together Muslim and Christians in the same table is set to bring a new dimension in the political arena ahead of 2027.
