Africa-Press – Kenya. ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir has hit back at the Linda Mwananchi brigade over land issues at the Coast.
Nassir defended President William Ruto’s administration, saying that for the first time in the region’s history, title deeds have been issued in remote areas such as Owino Uhuru.
“Title deeds for people who had been forgotten for decades were issued the other day in Jomvu. For the Owino Uhuru people, I will soon come with your title deeds after adjudication,” the governor said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako, however, said the Coast region’s land problems have not been solved.
Speaking in Owino Uhuru on Sunday during the commissioning of a 1.3km cabro road linking Mikindani and Jomvu Kuu wards, Nassir said the Linda Mwananchi faction comprises leaders who are disrespectful to others.“Respect is not slavery. You cannot insult your elders,” Nassir said.
He was responding to Sifuna, who at the Tononoka rally said ODM party leader Oburu Odinga cannot lead the party to greatness.“If you do not want Oburu Odinga as party leader, step aside and let ODM members move on with him,” Nassir said.
He accused some leaders of lacking policies and political direction.
“If they have no policies, let them sell their faces,” he said.
Nassir added that the late Raila Odinga left the party in a strong position and that it would remain so. He also said victims of past protests would be compensated, though some leaders oppose the move.
“Are those friends or enemies? When our people were teargassed and shot at, some were celebrating. Let them leave us in peace,” he said.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib said the real ODM members are those that stand with the legacy of Raila Odinga.
Twalib said ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir should be respected just as Oburu should be respected.
“Abdulswamad has worked for ODM through blood and sweat. He deserves respect,” Twalib said.
He said ODM will never be swayed into oblivion by leaders who are not truthful. He said the Kenya Kwanza administration has already issued titles to Jomvu residents, and soon Kwa Punda residents will also receive their titles.
“The government will pay off the owner of the Kwa Punda land Sh200 million, and the land will be adjudicated and titles issued to those who live there.” Twalib said amid cheers from the crowds, who chanted, “Four term!”
Twalib is serving his third term as Jomvu MP and is seeking his fourth term. He said they will stand with Oburu Odinga to death.
“I stand with Oburu because right after him is Abdulswamad Nassir. Wherever Abdulswamad goes, we will go,” the Jomvu MP said.
“When we were at the SDC, I am the one who proposed that we convene that meeting,” he said.
