Nassir warns against ethnic, religious politics

MOMBASA, Kenya—Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has urged residents to guard the county’s longstanding social ties against ethnic and religious divisions as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Nassir said Mombasa’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than become a tool for political mobilisation, urging residents to maintain relationships across ethnic and religious lines despite differences in political affiliation.

The governor spoke during an event to highlight the county government’s education support programme, where he announced the release of KSh2,500 in third-term bursaries for 28,500 students in public day secondary schools across the county.

The latest allocation brings the county’s education support for each beneficiary to KSh7,500 this year. The package includes meals valued at KSh5,000 during the first two terms and KSh2,500 in bursary support for the third term.

Nassir said the county is also providing daily meals to more than 12,600 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners, alongside annual capitation of KSh3,200 and learning materials for every child.

The county government has further hired 160 ECDE teachers and daycare caregivers and is constructing eight new ECDE centres.

According to the county, the school-feeding programme has contributed to a nearly 30 per cent increase in enrolment.

But Nassir used the occasion to turn attention to the political environment, cautioning residents against allowing election competition to damage relationships among communities.

He pointed to Mombasa’s diverse population, where people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds live together, support one another during difficult times and have formed families across communal lines.

Nassir said residents should remain free to choose their preferred political parties and leaders but should not allow political differences to turn into hostility among neighbours.

“Let us not choose hostility or hatred. Let us not choose war,” Nassir said.

He urged voters to scrutinise political messages and make independent decisions rather than allowing politicians to dictate how they relate with people from other communities.

Kisauni MP Radhid Bedzimba echoed the governor’s message, calling on Mombasa residents to reject politicians who seek support by exploiting ethnic or religious divisions.

Bedzimba said voters should instead examine the records and contributions of political leaders when making their choices.

“Any leader who speaks about tribalism is not fit to be a leader. Any leader who talks about religion [to divide people], keep away from that person,” Bedzimba said.

The remarks come as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties and political leaders positioning themselves for the contest.

For Mombasa, the leaders’ message places emphasis on maintaining social cohesion while allowing residents to exercise their democratic right to choose their preferred leaders and political parties at the ballot.