MOMBASA, Kenya — Changamwe political figure Peterson Mittau has died after a long battle with cancer, his family has announced.
Mittau died in hospital on Friday, August 29, 2026, after a prolonged illness, according to the family.
His family described him as a dedicated community defender who remained committed to the welfare of residents while also caring for his family.
Mittau was a familiar figure in Changamwe’s political landscape, where he repeatedly sought to represent the constituency in Parliament.
He first contested the Changamwe parliamentary seat in the 2007 General Election, later returning to the race in 2013 and 2017.
In the 2013 election, Mittau ran on a The National Alliance (TNA) ticket and garnered 4,104 votes, finishing behind the eventual winner Omar Mwinyi Shimbwa and Wiper candidate Philip Munge Ndolo.
He contested again in 2017 as an independent candidate and received 4,478 votes.
His 2017 political journey also saw him become involved in a dispute over Wiper’s Changamwe nominations after initially winning the party’s nomination contest before the process was subsequently contested. The dispute eventually reached the High Court.
Beyond electoral politics, Mittau remained active in Changamwe’s community affairs and was known for his efforts to support residents and participate in local political activities.
The family said he leaves behind a wife and five children.
His death has triggered mourning among residents and political actors in Changamwe, bringing to an end the public life of a politician who spent years seeking an opportunity to represent the constituency.
Mittau’s family is expected to announce funeral arrangements and other details concerning his burial.
