MOMBASA County-January 1, 2026- As the first light of January 1, 2026 crept into Mombasa, the city revealed-without shame or apology-that it had welcomed the New Year in very different styles.
On my way to the first Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Chaani, Changamwe at 6:00a.m., church bells rang with discipline and devotion, summoning the faithful to start the year on a holy note. But sharing the same streets was another group of worshippers-this one devoted to bottles, bass, and bad decisions made shortly after midnight.
Some people staggered confidently, bottles of beer held firmly in their hands as though letting go might erase the memory of the night. Others walked with the seriousness of people negotiating peace treaties with their own balance. A few had surrendered completely, seated by the roadside, staring into the future-or perhaps into 2025, trying to remember how they got here.
In Changamwe, it was clear the night had been long and loud. Famous joints like Apollo Club and Big Teddy, along Moi International Airport Road, had clearly done their civic duty in ushering in 2026 with enthusiasm. By morning, the evidence was walking home slowly, one bottle at a time, with faces that said, “We survived.”
Likoni had its share too-revellers trickling back home just as early commuters were stepping out, creating brief, awkward moments of eye contact between the freshly sober and the deeply spiritual.
Nyali, ever classy, woke up gently-quiet roads, tired smiles, and the occasional luxury hangover hidden behind sunglasses far too early for January 1.
Meanwhile, Mombasa Island, especially around Mama Ngina Waterfront, had been the epicentre of official celebration. Fireworks lit up the ocean sky as Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, the ODM Deputy Party Leader, alongside Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, led residents in dancing their way into 2026. Phones were raised, selfies were taken, and for a moment, everyone danced—leaders and citizens united by music, lights, and the promise of a new year.
By morning, the fireworks had vanished, replaced by memories, swollen phone galleries, tired feet, and for some, serious reflections on hydration.
The contrast was impossible to miss. While some began 2026 with prayers and hymns, others were still arguing with gravity. Some said Amen; others said “Nipe maji.” Some had danced with the Governor; others had danced with regret.
Yet in all this, there was something beautifully about Mombasa and the New Year, 2026.
Because whether in church pews, club dance floors, waterfront selfies, roadside pauses, or deep sleep, everyone had welcomed the New Year the only way they knew how.
And 2026, generous and non-judgmental, welcomed them all the same.
