MRC Takes Coastal Autonomy Fight Global Over ‘Ignored’ Court Victories

The Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) has intensified its push for coastal self-governance after accusing the Kenyan government of disregarding court rulings that have repeatedly affirmed the movement’s legality and constitutional rights.

Speaking during a press briefing attended by supporters and community members at the Coast, MRC leader Franklin Ngumbo announced that the movement had formally petitioned international bodies, including the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), International Criminal Court (ICC), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Ngumbo claimed the government has consistently failed to respect judicial decisions concerning the MRC and issues surrounding the historical status of the coastal region.

“We have exhausted local mechanisms. The courts have spoken several times, but the government continues to ignore those rulings. We are now seeking international intervention to ensure justice is upheld,” said Ngumbo.

The MRC, which has for years advocated for greater autonomy and recognition of what it describes as historical injustices against coastal communities, insists its movement is lawful and protected under constitutional freedoms.

Ngumbo maintained that their latest move is aimed at drawing global attention to what he termed as systematic suppression of the coastal people’s grievances despite favorable court judgments.

During the gathering, dozens of supporters echoed calls for recognition of the region’s political and economic rights, arguing that residents of the Coast continue to face marginalization and exclusion from national development.

The movement also accused state agencies of harassment and intimidation targeting its members despite previous court declarations lifting restrictions against the group.

MRC officials said the petitions submitted to the international institutions seek acknowledgment of the court rulings and pressure on the Kenyan government to comply with judicial decisions.

The renewed campaign is expected to reignite debate over the long-standing question of coastal identity, land ownership, and regional autonomy that has shaped political discourse at the Coast for decades.