President William Ruto is in Coast region to unveil government projects.

President arrived  on Thursday to a jubilant welcome by  Mombasa residents who thronged the Sabasaba intersection where his entourage was passing by.

This comes a day after nominating former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho as  CS for Mining and Blue Economy. He defended his decision to incorporate politicians from the opposition to his  government saying it will unite the country.

” Do you permit me to work with Joho whom i appointed as CS in the government?”, posed Ruto to a jubilant crowd.

Mombasa Governor, Abdulswamad Nassir , Mvita Mp Mohammed Machele, Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali and EALA Mp Hassan Omar Sarai accompanied the president.

Ruto is also expected to head to Kilifi North constituency for a fundraising event.

Several leaders from the Coast region have applauded president Ruto for nominating Joho and Salim Mvurya to the cabinet.

Hundreds of journalists in Mombasa protested on Wednesday against police brutality against their profession.

The protest started at Pembe za Ndovu in the morning with journalists chanting and singing the national anthem.

They protested along Moi Avenue, walking towards the Mombasa County Commissioner’s office to present their petition.

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Led by Coast Media Welfare Chairman Francis Mtalaki, they demanded the arrest of police officers who shot and injured a Nakuru-based journalist.

“We have noticed a trend where some government operatives profile journalists as they cover the anti-government protests by gen-z. Those policemen must be arrested,” said Mtalaki.

The scribes drawn from different media houses in Mombasa further accused the government of trying to silence them saying they will not budge.

“Journalism is not a crime. We are merely messengers. Why should we be targeted and even attacked by police during our normal duties? Police must be called to order,” said Ali Mwalimu from Radio Rahma.

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Human Rights activists led by Haki Africa’s Rapid Response Officer Mathias Shipeta and his counterpart from Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) Francis Auma joined the protest in solidarity with journalists.

“As human rights defenders, we stand in solidarity with journalists. We have had incidences where some have been shot and injured during protests, and others abducted by police,” said Shipeta.

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir has congratulated his predecessor Ali Hassan Joho on his nomination to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.

Joho was nominated by Pres. Ruto to head the Mining and Blue Economy Ministry that was formerly headed by former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya.

Governor Swamad took to his socials to congratulate his predecessor right after the announcement was made.

“Your dedication, leadership, and vision have been recognized, and we have no doubt that you will excel in your new role upon confirmation by the National Assembly,” said Swamad.

Also read: Joho among Ruto’s nominees to Cabinet

Joho’s nomination also saw Mombasa residents taking to the streets to celebrate.

The list of 10 Cabinet Secretaries nominees was announced at State House in Nairobi by the head of state.

“Your passion for public service and your ability to bring positive change will undoubtedly make a significant impact. Congratulations once again, and may your tenure as Waziri be filled with success and fulfillment,” said Swamad.

>>BY KHAMISI NGOKA>>

Mombasa Civil Society Organizations have challenged President William Ruto’s move to reappoint six Cabinet Secretaries less than a fortnight after they were sacked.

The Mombasa CSOs opposed the move by President Ruto to nominate Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Aden Duale, Davis ChirChir, Alice Wahome, Rebecca Miano, and Roselinda Soipan as CSs after they were dismissed.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Director of Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) Yusuf Lule said the government had failed Kenyans by reappointing the same CSs.

Also read: Kindiki, Duale back in Cabinet

Lule said that Kenyans were expecting new appointees who had no record of corruption to fill the vacant ministries.

“It does not make sense you dismiss a person then after two weeks you come and appoint him/her again the same position,” said Lule.

On the other hand, Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa has urged the government to maintain high levels of accountability and consider the needs of common mwananchi.

This comes after President Ruto nominated the first batch of 11 cabinet secretaries and Attorney General on Friday.