Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir says he will make the Jomvu annual boat racing competition a national event should he clinch the Mombasa governor seat.
The competition, held at Mkupe creek, is the brainchild of Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and has been growing since its inception in 2015.
From attracting tens of competitors and crowds in 2015, to attracting over 5,000 competitors and spectators on Sunday, the competition doubles up as a rich knowledge dissemination centre for mangrove conservation and blue economy campaign.
“The competition, apart from horning the skills of fishermen and divers, also provides an avenue for tourism and exchange of ideas on how to harness potential in both the blue economy and marine conservation,” Twalib said.
This year’s event had competitors from as far as Malindi and Kwale.
Last year, the KDF also took part in the competition, which MP Nassir said will help spur Mombasa’s tourism sector.
“These are the things we need to harness and promote,” he said on Sunday.
He said should he become governor, he will ensure competitors from as far as Kisumu, Homa Bay, Turkana and Lamu counties take part.
The two MPs however urged Jomvu residents to maintain peace and harmony saying all efforts will come to nought should there be violence during the electioneering period.
The Mkupe creek will have the longest bridge in East and Central Africa as part of the Dongo Kundu bypass project, one of the legacy project that President Uhuru Kenyatta wants to leave.
Twalib said Uhuru has set the pace that ODM leader Raila Odinga will hopefully continue should he take the baton from him.
This, he said, is all because of a change of heart from Raila who accepted to shake hands with Uhuru and start a journey to a peaceful Kenya.
“That is why as we campaign for Raila and Nassir, we should ensure this peace is maintained. Elections come and go, but you will remain brothers and sisters. Let no politics or politicians divide you or change who you are,” Twalib said.
His sentiments were echoed by Nassir, who said any violence will damage the chances of Raila making it to the house on the hill.
“To the politicians, when you go out to ask for votes, ask for them using the language of peace. Sell your policies, not your hatred,” Nassir said.
He said his administration will work on the basis of peace, tranquillity and equal opportunities for all Mombasa residents.
“We will work in partnership with our friends from other places so that events like these become bigger and better,” Nassir said.
He said the Jomvu annual boat racing competition will be budgeted for by his administration so as to make it more attractive to local and international tourists.
“We will set aside a percentage of funds from the county to cater for such events,” the Mvita MP said.
He however, warned that the dream might not become a reality should the residents fail to vote for Raila as Kenya’s next president.
“We will not have the ability to do what we envision should Raila not be in State House. We are his foot soldiers and he will listen to us when we go to him seeking goodies for Jomvu and Mombasa people,” Nassir said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
