Cord MPs defend State House visit

KWALE, KENYA: Two MPs from Kwale who were among other leaders that visited statehouse last week have come out to defend their move, a day after a section of Muslim clerics and leaders gave them an ultimatum of 14 days to apologise.

In separate interviews the two who included Women representative Zainab Chidzuga and Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori lashed out at the leaders even as they gave reasons to why they went for the trip.

"The President called us to apologise on why he did not come for Iftar at Leisure lodge beach resort due to his busy schedule," said Dori.

According to Dori the event gave them the much needed opportunity to present the list of projects they want to be completed by the national government.

The Msambweni MP who claimed that his stand in ODM was not questionable observed that a number of projects like the expansion of Ukunda airstrip and compensation of families will start before December.

"My support for ODM is 100 percent and I have no intention whatsoever of moving out but our people should differentiate politics and development,"added Dori.

On her part Chidzuga was categorical that they will not ask for any forgiveness as demanded by the clerics as what they went for was noble.

Chidzuga argued that no projects come easily and that's why they need to push to see their completion.

"No one is against anybody visiting Statehouse and we are not the first ones. Those people should have asked what we went for before lashing at us," added Chidzuga who further stated that some clerics were angry because they were not invited for the Iftar that was to be presided over by the President.

Other leaders who accompanied the two were Kwale governor Salim Mvurya, senator Boy Juma Boy, MPs Khatib Mwashetani (Lungalunga), Hassan Mwanyoha (Matuga) and Gonzi Rai (Kinango).