MOMBASA, Kenya — Former Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Board Chairperson Hamisi Mwaguya has emerged as the early frontrunner in the race for the Mombasa Senate seat, according to a new opinion poll that offers the clearest indication yet of the county’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The survey conducted by Swiss Polls International placed Mwaguya at 27.2 percent, giving him a narrow lead over incumbent Senator Mohamed Faki, who garnered 24.5 percent.
The findings suggest the contest remains highly competitive, with only 2.7 percentage points separating the two leading contenders more than a year before Kenyans head to the polls.
Mgeni Mboto Hassan ranked third with 10.3 percent, followed by Bernard William at 9.9 percent, Victor Abayo at 9.5 percent, Ali Kubo at 9.3 percent, Charles Mghenyi at 3.9 percent and Ali Ganzala at 2.4 percent. Another 3.0 percent of respondents preferred other candidates.
According to Swiss Polls International, the survey sampled 5,284 respondents, with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.
The poll comes as political activity begins gathering pace in Mombasa, with several aspirants positioning themselves ahead of party nominations expected before the August 2027 General Election.
Although opinion polls provide only a snapshot of public sentiment at a particular moment, political observers say they often influence campaign strategies, fundraising efforts and coalition-building as candidates seek to expand their support bases.
With the campaign period yet to officially begin, analysts expect the race to remain fluid as aspirants intensify grassroots mobilisation and political parties begin shaping their county election strategies.
[A banner showing the survey results. Photo/courtesy/July 27, 2026].
The Mombasa Senate seat is expected to be among the county’s most closely watched contests, with candidates likely to campaign on issues including youth unemployment, the blue economy, devolution, urban infrastructure and oversight of county government spending.
