President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday sent out a rare warning message directed at coastal governors, led by Ali Hassan Joho over their secession campaign.

Speaking at the Devolution Conference in Kwale, Kenyatta warned that he would not tolerate anyone who interfered with Kenya's territorial integrity.

"We shall not tolerate any language or action that threatens the territorial integrity of our nation or threatens life or property," Kenyatta stated.

Joho has led a number of coastal leaders in demanding secession which would make the former Coast Province an independent country and separate it from the Republic of Kenya.

Curiously, the Mombasa Governor did not attend the conference, even though it is being held at the Diani Reef Hotel, which is only a few kilometres from his Mombasa office.

During the four-day conference, the Council of Governors is expected to pick host governor Salim Mvurya as their Chairman, replacing Joseph Nanok of Turkana.