Nyali MP accuses the county administration of discrimination and poor governance as the race to unseat Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir gathers momentum.
MOMBASA, Kenya — The race for the Mombasa governorship in the 2027 General Election is gathering momentum after Nyali MP Mohammed Ali intensified his campaign to unseat Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, accusing the county administration of discrimination, poor governance and failing to unlock the county’s economic potential.
Speaking during a public meeting in Nyali Constituency, Ali said Mombasa residents deserve a new style of leadership founded on inclusivity, accountability and development, arguing that the current county administration has failed to meet the expectations of wananchi.
“It is time for Mombasa to chart a new course. Residents deserve leaders who serve everyone fairly, create opportunities for young people and put public interest ahead of personal and family interests,” Ali said.
The legislator alleged that employment opportunities within the county government have not been distributed fairly, claiming qualified young people from Mombasa have been overlooked because of what he described as discriminatory practices.
He further accused some county leaders of prioritising personal interests over public service, saying the county’s development had stagnated despite its strategic position as Kenya’s leading coastal city and a major tourism and trade hub.
According to Ali, Mombasa has the potential to become a stronger economic powerhouse if leadership focuses on transparent governance, investment and youth empowerment.
“Mombasa should be leading in tourism, trade, investment and job creation. That can only happen when leadership is driven by competence, fairness and a genuine commitment to public service,” he said.
Without naming specific individuals, the Nyali MP also criticised politicians whom he accused of distributing food to residents during political campaigns instead of pursuing long-term economic empowerment initiatives.
He urged residents to reject what he described as short-term political inducements and instead elect leaders capable of delivering sustainable development.
“Our people deserve opportunities, not handouts. Leadership should empower families through jobs, business opportunities and better public services—not temporary gifts during campaign seasons,” Ali said.
Ali called on Mombasa residents to vote for change in the next General Election, expressing confidence that a new administration would accelerate development and restore public confidence in county leadership.
His remarks come as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, with several leaders already positioning themselves for the highly coveted Mombasa gubernatorial seat.
Former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP as well as UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan have also publicly declared their interest in the seat, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched political contest.
Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, who was elected in 2022, is widely expected to seek a second term, potentially setting up a competitive race featuring some of Mombasa’s most prominent political figures.
With nearly a year before the official campaign period gains momentum, early declarations by aspirants are already reshaping the political landscape in the coastal county as they seek to persuade voters on their competing visions for Mombasa’s future.
