Governor Kingi launches Mombasa-based political party following ODM ouster

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has launched his own political party just weeks after he was kicked out of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leadership.

The new political party said to have been registered by the ODM Governor is going by the name Pamoja African Alliance (PAA).

The party's headquarters were officially opened on Monday at Nyali, Mombasa County and new members registered on the spot.

PAA will be chaired by former Mombasa gubernatorial candidate Ibrahim Khamis Babagida, who was part of the Jubilee coalition.

Speaking on Monday, Babagida noted that the party was yet to meet the membership requirement by the Registrar of Political Parties, hence the aggressive registration drive.

"We have to correct the impression and propaganda that our party is for the native coastal community. Very soon you will be shocked with the identities of our national officials.

"As natives and residents of this region, we anticipate direct engagement with friendly parties during discussion on sharing of the national cake. We are tired of being engaged after such talks have been concluded," the interim chair stated.

Governor Kingi launches Mombasa-based political party following ODM ouster Pulse Live Kenya

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi launches Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party Pulse Live Kenya

Najib Balala

Mr Babagida added that the new formation had already reached a coalition pact with Tourism CS Najib Balala's party, the Republican Congress Party.

"The Republican Congress (RC) party has agreed to formally join the Pamoja African Alliance. Discussions are ongoing to persuade other parties to embrace this new platform as a vehicle to propel the interests of our people at the national level," the PAA chair confirmed.

Tourism CS Najib Balala and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi Pulse Live Kenya

CS Balala is, however, on record denying any plans to vie for office in the 2022 General Election.

Dismissing a report by Standard Media Group, CS Balala released a statement to the press assuring members of the public that he was not about to quit his cabinet position prior to the elections.

The media house's daily publication, in an article, had suggested that the CS would be quitting his position by February 2022 to vie for an elective position.

"For avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically state that my focus is to continue to serve the country in my current position as Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife and that I have no plans to vie for any elective position anywhere in Kenya," his statement read in part.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that others scheduled to exit the cabinet before expiry of President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term are Interior CS Fred Matiang'i who is said to be going for the Kisii county governor's seat.

Labour CS Simon Chelugui is said to be eyeing the Baringo gubernatorial seat, his Health counterpart Mutahi Kagwe is said to be going for the Nyeri governor's seat while Treasury CS Ukur Yattani and Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa are rumoured to be going for the Marsabit and Trans Nzoia governor seats respectively.

The other CSs are yet to issue public statements on their positions as far as the media reports are concerned.