Joho: Journey to Secession Unstoppable

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho says that he will continue to push for secession of the coast region and acknowledged that the quest may take up to 10 years.

Speaking during the swearing-in of six county executives on Thursday, Joho said the breakaway will allow "real self-determination and good governance" as local resources will benefit residents.

Joho particularly mentioned income earned from Kenya Ports Authority, which he claimed benefits a few individuals, saying it would be used to improve lives of the locals. Joho has constantly claimed that the dry port to be constructed by the government in Naivasha "is a plot to sabotage Mombasa economically".

"People will feel their voices count and marginalisation will no longer be used as a political tool but for positive action," he said on Thursday.

"We will make every person understand why the journey to secession is irreversible," he added.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader further hit out at former secessionist group, Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), which is opposed to Joho separation push.

"Unlike them (MRC), we recognise Coast is Kenya but we want self-rule through legal means," he said.

"We must succeed after one month, a year or two, five years or even 10 years. This is a conversation that we must have."

"Kenya won't be the first and last country to agitate for secession. It has happened elsewhere," he said.