Mombasa leaders unite in call for political tolerance

Led by Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, the leaders speaking at different venues cautioned that careless political statements could easily spark misunderstandings and inflame divisions among communities.

Nassir, who addressed worshippers at the RG Ngala grounds during Eid-ul-Adha prayers, said even remarks made in jest could be misinterpreted and escalate into wider conflict.

“If I speak something, and another responds to it because they feel I was targeting some people, and then my allies also join in, then this might bring tension and eventually spark something bigger and regrettable,” he said.

“We can cause a lot of friction unnecessarily because of utterances from leaders.” 

At Tononoka grounds, EALA MP Hassan Omar and his counterpart Suleiman Shahbal also called for restraint, saying the country is bigger than any individual and leaders must prioritise unity.

“We must maintain peace and unity in Kenya. Let us do politics of issues and politics of truth. We as UDA and the broad-based government need peace and tranquillity to deliver our pledges to the people, which are included in The Plan,” Omar said.

He said many government pledges were already being implemented, adding that since the administration took office, arbitrary killings had reduced, and that marginalised regions, including the Coast and Northern Kenya, were now receiving greater opportunities in government.

Omar further noted that this progress had created envy in some quarters, but reflected what he termed inclusive leadership under President William Ruto.

Shahbal warned that political statements can easily be misinterpreted, especially in the current electioneering period.

“Let us be careful so that what we proclaim on dais may not be misinterpreted,” he said, adding that politicians often take statements out of context to advance their own narratives.

Omar has recently come under criticism from the United Opposition over his remarks on alleged land grabbing involving former leaders. However, his allies have defended him, saying his comments were factual and not directed at any community but at individuals.

UDA activist Sabrina Kanini said Omar’s remarks had been taken out of context.

“Nobody wants to hear the truth when the truth hurts them. They do not want to hear what they have done to the people of Kenya,” she said.

Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho also urged restraint, saying President William Ruto’s coastal tour should help unify the region, particularly through addressing long-standing land issues.

“Let us not politicise land issues because they are always very sensitive,” Joho said.

He added that political statements should focus on solutions rather than fuelling violence or chaos.