All burial sites in Mombasa to be managed by respective religious leaders

By  Tobby Otum

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has withdrawn county employees from manning all burial sites  with immediate effect.

He directed the responsibility of manning the burial sites be handled by respective religious leaders.

“Let the county secretary act on the new directive I have given today,” he pointed out.

Abdulswamad defended his directive saying it’s the sole responsibility of the religious leaders to handle all cemetery sites.

He was speaking during this year’s xmas tree lighting ceremony held at Treasury Square in Mvita constituency, Mombasa county.

The governor also directed perimeter walls be constructed at all crucial cemetery sites.

 Abdulswamad warned against being sent letters by well wishers asking for assistance to put up perimeter walls at burial sites.

He said the county will construct the perimeter walls through taxes collected and not through well wishers. 

“We have enough revenue collected that will cater for the construction of the perimeter walls,” he said.    

The governor insisted burial sites must be preserved with respect and dignity since all are candidates of death.

He said he wants to leave a better leadership foundation than what he has found through ensuring religious differences are kept aside.

He urged county residents to ensure they are not divided along religious lines and lashed out at individuals who are against peace and prosperity existing in the county.

“Let us not allow ourselves to be divided along religious and ethnic lines and we should stand firm against those who are against unity,” he added.

The County boss said he and his Deputy Franics Thoya have resolved to put religious afflications aside for the sake of delivery of services to the electorate after being elected.

 Abdulswamad said they will ensure they leave a good foundation in the next ten years so that  their successor won’t fall into the trap they had encountered during their campaigns period.        

He urged those in different religions to stand firm and to ensure they speak with one voice and shun religious divisions for the sake of unity.

“Despite having different religious beliefs we should focus on unity and ensure peace prevails for the sake of development,” he added.

The governor applauded leaders from different religions for rallying behind his candidacy during the August polls.

Abdulswamad thanked the religious leaders for ensuring he becomes the second governor by succeeding his  processador Hassan Ali Joho.

 He said he is happy that his dream of becoming the second governor of the  port city and to preside over the first xmas tree lighting ceremony during this year’s festive season has been realized.

“Regloius unity will be a subject in the county education curriculum through the county assembly when passed as an Act,” he pointed out.

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