Sonko and Omar reignite UDA campaigns in Mombasa

A day after the electoral agency announced that the Mombasa and Kakamega gubernatorial elections would be held on August 29, the Mombasa UDA team has hit the ground running. 

Led by governor candidate Hassan Omar and former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, the team pitched camp in Mvita constituency selling the bottom-up agenda on Tuesday. 

Sonko and Omar held several meetings in Mvita before taking campaigns to the Bunge la Mwananchi in Polana, where they promised to empower that group as a tool of enhancing public participation in the county.

"When citizens sit down to discuss issues affecting them, they are able to bring about a revolution,” Omar said.

"My intention as outlined in my manifesto is to involve the people of Mombasa. I will set a structure to involve you in running the affairs of the county."

Omar said that he is the “son of a peasant running against oligarchs who have hijacked the county.”

He said Mombasa tycoons conspired with the ‘deep state’ to remove Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal from the race and also used the courts to block Sonko from vying.

He further said the tycoons are now hoping to sneak in their 'project' at the helm of the county, but the postponement of the gubernatorial elections has exposed their weakness.

"This time round we are taking them home together with their project, we have a better plan for Mombasa," Omar said.

He said that UDA, under the stewardship of President-elect William Ruto, has an elaborate plan to revive the economy through the implementation of the bottom-up economic model.

The model, he said, will bring money down to citizens to enable them to get working capital.

"We want to invest in the people so that they can put food on the table. Give us the chance to do this for you," he said.

Omar further said that the Kenya Kwanza government will ensure that port operations will return to Mombasa, adding that they had plans to explore and tap into the Blue Economy to create jobs for the youth.

He promised to create a business-friendly environment in Mombasa to attract more investors, even as he alleged the current administration of Governor Hassan Joho frustrated the business community in the county.

"I know we have huge debts accrued by the county. We will do an audit and sort all genuine debts in my first three months in office," Omar said.

He added that he had laid out plans to explore the Blue Economy, promote tourism, aquaculture and sports to create job opportunities

Omar promised to put all vulnerable Mombasa residents under the National Health Insurance Fund to ensure they access medical services at no cost.

He also promised to set up a desalination plant to ensure Mombasa residents have access to clean drinking water.

"My administration will serve everyone equally regardless of tribe, religion or race. Mine will be an all-inclusive government for all," Omar said.

Sonko supported the Bunge la Mwananchi with Sh100, 000 to clear their office rent after they were locked out.

He said during his short tenure as Nairobi governor, he empowered the bunges and worked closely with them.

"Be assured that I will be in Omar's government, and we will help you and ensure you get the respect you deserve owing to the important work you do," the former governor said. 

Sonko said that his impeachment in Nairobi and removal from the Mombasa governor contest were politically instigated.

"They were forcing me to step down. I want to tell them that Omar will be the next Mombasa governor. I call on all my supporters to support him," he said.

He called for calm and peace in the country as the Supreme Court handles the presidential petition filed by the Azimio brigade challenging Ruto's win.

"The Supreme Court case is a process, whoever the courts will say is our president we will support him. Kenya is bigger than Ruto and Odinga, so let us ensure peace prevails," he said.

(edited by Amol Awuor