Political temperatures in Mombasa continue to rise as key players assert their influence ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who has been facing increasing criticism, has come out strongly to defend his leadership style, asserting that his kindness should not be mistaken for weakness.
Speaking at Concordia Primary School on Thursday, where he issued contract letters for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers, Nassir declared his intention to seek a second term. His allies have been rallying behind the slogan “Kumi bila break” (Ten years without a break), signaling his long-term political ambitions.
“I was blessed to be MP for two terms, I was blessed to be governor, I will be blessed to be governor again and I will be blessed to be more than a governor in the future,” Nassir stated, emphasizing his political resilience.
He also addressed critics who perceive his calm demeanor as a sign of weakness, saying, “When a leader is silent, it does not mean they are weak. In fact, it takes more strength to remain silent and persevere through criticism.”
His remarks come amid growing political maneuvering, particularly by Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri, who is seen as a formidable contender. Khatri, known for his widespread food distribution initiatives, has been gaining popularity among Mombasa residents. Although he has dismissed claims of vying for the governor’s seat, his rising influence has unsettled Nassir’s camp.
Despite Khatri’s claims of disinterest, his control over the county assembly has been evident, with a majority of the 40 MCAs seemingly aligning with him. However, political allegiances remain fluid, as some MCAs previously thought to be in Khatri’s camp were seen at Nassir’s event, chanting the “Kumi bila break” slogan.
Mombasa’s political landscape remains intricate, with key figures like Likoni MP Mishi Mboko navigating shifting alliances. Last Sunday, she was notably absent from Nassir’s event and instead attended former Governor Hassan Joho’s event in Malindi. This move is seen as an attempt to regain favor with the influential Joho family after aligning closely with Nassir.
As political realignments continue, Nassir remains focused on his governance agenda. “Whenever someone throws stones at you, take those stones and use them to build a house,” he remarked, urging unity and development over political bickering.
With Mombasa’s 2027 gubernatorial race already shaping up, the battle for supremacy is just beginning.
