The government's credibility is at stake as insecurity rises in Coast Province, local legislators said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament Buildings, the MPs said many people had been displaced and their property looted.

Their statement was read by Coast Parliamentary Group Chairman Jembe Mwakalu, who is also an assistant minister for local authorities.

"We would like to remind the government of its responsibility on the economy," he said.

He was accompanied by lawmakers Suleiman Kamolleh (Matuga, Kanu), Basil Mwakiringo (Voi, DP), Simeon Mkalla (Kinango, Kanu) and Molu Galgalo Shambaro (Garsen, Kanu).

"Previously, bandits used only to loot. Now they rape, sodomise and use razor blades on young girls for penetration. The experience left behind on the families is permanent and horrendous," he said.

Mr Mwakalu said that banditry has spread from Tana River to Kwale and as far into the interior as Taita Taveta District. "Where is our government?" he asked.

He said that police were ill-equipped and had no vehicles or radio communication to combat banditry.

As the press conference was in progress in the old Chambers of Parliament Buildings, a Minister of State in the President's Office in charge of internal security, Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka walked in, but left in a hurry.

It transpired that Mr Madoka, who is the Kanu MP for Mwatate, had come to get Mr Mwakiringo to accompany him to their rural constituencies.

Mr Mwakalu said that as a result of poor infrastructure, Coast people have become poorer.

He also said that Coast leaders have rejected the proposed privatisation of the Mombasa port.

"Coast people rely on the port and they must be given an opportunity to discuss their destiny before the privatisation process is put in motion," he said.

Comments\Views about this article