Candidates intensify campaigns ahead of Msambweni by-election

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (right) with ODM candidate for Msambweni by-election Omar [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

With less than 20 days to the Msambweni by-election, candidates have intensified their campaigns despite lack of pomp and colour due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Wiper Democratic Movement candidate Sheikh Abdurahman Mahmoud has piled pressure on ODM candidate Omar Boga and DP William Ruto’s ally Feisal Bader who were seen as frontrunners in the race.

While traversing the constituency yesterday, Mahmoud pledged to support fishing, tourism and agriculture which he described as the main sectors that can turn around the local economy.

He said he would ensure fair distribution of bursary funds and promote education throughout the constituency.

Mahmoud also promised to ensure cohesiveness in the area.

“I will support the development of tourism, fishing and agriculture which are the economic mainstay in this constituency. I am going to promote need-based development once elected,” Mahmoud told residents in Ukunda, Mivumoni, Magodi and Kibaoni areas.

The seat fell vacant following the death of ODM legislator Suleiman Dori in March this year and United Green Movement candidate Khamis Mwakaonje has also intensified his campaigns across the constituency vowing to pull a surprise in the mini poll.

Dr Mwakaonje promised to streamline the constituency development fund and ensure resources are used prudently to the benefit of locals.

He also pledged to rally together all people of Msambweni from various ethnic backgrounds to ensure co-existence and development.

Mombasa governor Hassan Joho has for the past two weeks traversed the constituency drumming support for Boga.

Joho claimed that Boga was ahead of the pack, adding that his party was dominant in the area.

He dismissed Bader claiming that he did not have a party to run to and urged the people of Msambweni to focus on Boga whose leadership was tested after serving as MCA for Gombato/Bongwe.

Lately, Bader has enjoyed the backing of Kwale governor Salim Mvurya and his deputy Ms Fatuma Achana in a bid to wrestle the seat from ODM.

Bader, who served as Dori’s personal assistant, has pledged to ensure continuity including completion of the projects the former MP initiated.

The other candidates are Ms Marere Wamwachai of The National Vision Party, Hassan Mwakulonda of Party of Economic Democracy and independent candidates Charles Bilali and Mansour Kumaka.

The campaigns are scrambling for the 68,621 registered voters in Gombato/Bongwe, Ukunda, Kinondo and Ramisi wards.