MOMBASA County—Jan 29, 2026—Tribal politics are increasingly threatening to overshadow the Mombasa gubernatorial contest, with leaders warning that ethnic-based campaigns could undermine unity and development in the cosmopolitan county.
Former Kisauni MP and 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Ali Mbogo has strongly dismissed tribal politics, cautioning that such narratives pose a danger to the electorate and the county’s social cohesion.
Speaking to residents in Kisauni, Mbogo said politicians who rely on ethnicity to advance their political ambitions are unfit for elective office, urging voters to reject divisive campaigns.
According to Mbogo, tribal politics have previously fuelled community clashes during election periods, insisting that leadership should be based on development agendas and a proven track record.
“Some politicians are already telling us that their communities will vote for them in the 2027 General Election. Such reckless statements should not be entertained by anyone,” Mbogo said.
He urged residents to support leaders who have demonstrated tangible development and transformative change, warning against a repeat of past violence linked to inflammatory political rhetoric.
“We witnessed the aftermath of the Kaya Bombo clashes where lives were lost and families displaced following irresponsible ethnic utterances by politicians. This must not happen again,” he added.
Mbogo further faulted some elected leaders for failing to deliver on development promises despite receiving overwhelming support from voters, accusing them of resorting to divisive tribal rhetoric instead of engaging residents and addressing their needs.
“The voter wants development, an accessible leader and someone who listens. Mombasa is a metropolitan county that is home to all communities, and we must therefore reject tribal and divisive politics,” he said.
The Mombasa gubernatorial race has continued to attract a growing number of aspirants seeking to unseat incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir.
Those who have declared or are expected to join the race include the former Kisauni MP, Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri, EALA MP and UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, while former gubernatorial aspirant and investor Suleiman Shahbal is also rumoured to be making a comeback, with more contenders expected to declare their interest.
