The Luo community residing in the coast region under the umbrella of Ramogi Welfare have refuted claims their focus is on the 2022 presidential succession battle.

They said the welfare's strategic plan has nothing to do with the battle to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta but the economic welfare of members.

Led by Mombasa county government chief of staff Joab Odhiambo Tumbo they said their five year strategic plan is beyond the 2022 general elections.

He said the strategic plan from 2019 to 2023 focuses on the economic empowerment of the members and the realisation of sustainable development.

"Let's unite and strengthen the community members apart from the cultural funeral gatherings in the region," he pointed out.

He spoke when he presided over the launch of the welfare community's five year strategic plan held at the Mombasa Women’s hall in Mvita constituency, Mombasa county.

The county chief of staff cautioned their critics they won’t allow the welfare to be used as a political vehicle for the 2022 polls.

Tumbo, who was accompanied by Mombasa County Executive for Devolution and Public Service Administration Seth Odhiambo Odongo, vowed he will ensure the welfare is not used as a stepping stone to politics.

He reiterated the welfare will not allow itself to be used as a campaign tool for the 2022 general election in the region.

"The welfare's strategic plan has nothing to do with the next polls," he pointed out.

On his part, Seth urged the community to engage in constructive politics which will empower them than politics of division which will ruin them.

He advised the community that they will succeed and prosper if they unite and speak with one  voice in the region.

Ramogi Welfare Community chairperson Ishmael Ochola has acknowledged the formation of the members' welfare was started in 2004 with the sole agenda of organizing funeral gatherings for transportation of the deceased for burial but assured them they want to transform the outfit to focus on economic empowerment of members.

He said since he took over he has been able to offset the minibus loan through a funds drive and they have plans to acquire a second minibus.

Ochola said they have identified a plot to put up a multi-purpose hall for generating income and they are targeting to recruit almost 30,000 members in the next five years.

"Before the implementation of the five year plan we will establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative (Sacco) initiative to empower members,’’ he pointed out.