But there is an even bigger picture here, which is that the real loser in all this was the elusive prospect of coastal unity. Because the “ten-mile Coastal strip” was once governed from Zanzibar, by the Sultan from Oman who was based there, matters of land ownership, were uniquely convoluted in the Coast. Resolving the historical injustices which attend the coastal land ownership issue is therefore at the forefront of the priorities for all indigenous residents of the Coast. In short, the Coast region as a unit, has much to gain from having “a seat at the big table” of national politics. So, the fact that Joho and Mvurya are on opposing sides of the current political divide is not good news for coastal unity.

Source: The Star December 27, 2020 15:00 UTC