![[Kenya's Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. Kenya is seeking stronger partnership with China and East Africa to combat terrorism. Photo/courtesy/Sept' 10, 2026].](https://jambonewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MURKOMEN-180x135.jpg "Kenya seeks stronger China, E. Africa partnership against terrorism")
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Sarai has rejected calls for political zoning in Mombasa ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying his party is prepared to face its opponents directly at the ballot.
Sarai said UDA would not support arrangements that allocate political seats to particular parties or individuals, insisting voters should be allowed to choose their preferred candidates.
He said his experience in governance and institution-building would be important in his plans for Mombasa County, which he accused of lacking effective governance and discipline.
“I now want to bring that ability into Mombasa County because what has been missing in Mombasa County is governance, respect and discipline,” Sarai said.
His remarks were echoed by Bunge la Wananchi Chairperson Pius Makani, who challenged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to prepare for a competitive 2027 election rather than rely on zoning arrangements.
“On the issue of zoning in Mombasa, if ODM does not want to face competition in 2027, then they should withdraw from the 2027 competition. We are going to face them squarely,” Makani said.
He rejected what he described as attempts to divide political positions through arrangements such as “six-piece” or “three-piece” voting patterns.
“We do not want zoning. We do not want the six-piece or three-piece arrangements,” Makani said.
Makani also attributed some of the challenges facing the Kenya Kwanza administration to the political circumstances of 2024, when he said President Ruto had to bring in political allies from outside his original political camp.
He argued that a stronger parliamentary majority would have made it easier for the government to implement its agenda.
“That is the danger the President faced in 2024 when people planned to disrupt his leadership. He had to bring in people, and those people are the ones who have brought him problems,” Makani said.
He said UDA supporters in Mombasa were focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 election.
“We want to deliver to the UDA party under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto,” Makani said.
The remarks come as political parties and leaders at the Coast intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with the control of Mombasa County expected to remain a key political contest.
