The Leader of the CORD Coalition Rt. Hon Raila Odinga had fruitful deliberations with the leadership of Mombasa County H.E Gov. Hassan Ali Joho and Senator Hassan Omar Hassan at his office in Boston at the African Presidential Centre. Gov. Joho and Sen. Hassan are on an official trip to the United States where they will visit several cities/states to explore partnerships in business and investment opportunities and foster cultural exchange under the Sister Cities programme. Such partnerships do not only support the letter and spirit of the Constitution and strengthen devolved governments, but contribute towards the realisation of the CORD manifesto to foster development at the county level and improve service delivery. Rt. Hon Raila Odinga reaffirmed the coalition's position in its opposition to the manner in which security operations in Eastleigh and other parts of the country were carried leading to massive violations and victimisation of members of the Somali community and Muslims. Hon. Raila together with Gov. Joho and Sen. Hassan reaffirmed CORD's commitment to a just and equitable constitutional order. Hon. Odinga reassured the Mombasa County leadership that they were not alone in surmounting the challenges of insecurity in the county. Gov. Joho and Sen. Hassan informed Hon. Odinga that the leadership of Mombasa County has proposed measures and interventions that will improve the security of the county. Whereas the county acknowledge that the mandate of security is that of the national government, the insecurity if not addressed by all stakeholders will negatively impact on the county's development agenda and co-existence of the diverse groups. The leadership of the county proposes interventions in education, youth unemployment and poverty and addressing the historical and current injustices the Coast region has been subject to. The leadership also proposes a deliberate countering of the narrative that leads to radicalisation through proactive scholarship and dialogue. The Mombasa County leadership noted that the strategies pursued by the national government have only served to worsen the situation. Hon. Odinga welcomed the proposals and assured the Governor and Senator of the support of the CORD Coalition. Hon. Raila also challenged the two to propose further strategies that the CORD coalition could adopt particularly to further the coalition's commitment to social justice and human rights. Hon. Raila further commended the good working relationship between the Governor and Senator of Mombasa County observing that it was the best demonstration of unity of purpose reflected by the maturity of the two young leaders and an acknowledgementof the arduous burden to deliver on myriad areas of development. Hon. Odinga noted that the admirable working relationship and friendship between Gov. Joho and Sen. Hassan is a model for all counties to emulate. Hon. Odinga wished the two well in their tour of the US.
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