Governor Hassan Joho and his opponent Suleiman Shahbal of Jubilee Party set aside their political differences and prayed together in a rare show of unity.
The two hugged each other during Monday's Eid prayers held at the Ronald Ngala grounds in Mvita constituency.
Wiper’s Hassan Omar (Mombasa Senator), ODM’s Abdulswamad Nassir (Mvita MP), his main challenger for the Mvita MP seat Omar Shallo (Jubilee), and Abdulsalaam Kassim (Jubilee) also interacted after the prayers which were presided over by Sheikh Mahmoud Mustwafa from Rawdha mosque in Kongowea.
Shahbal and Omar both want to oust Joho as the Mombasa governor on August 8.
Chief Kadhi Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar and Omar said political competition should be about ideas and not physical strength or hatred.
They said politicians need to tone down vile politic which threaten to divide Kenyans.
"As the winners carry the day, let losers accept defeat as we are all building this nation," Sheikh Muhdhar said.
Omar said: "We should compete in ideas."
Joho and Shahbal said they will speak during the annual Eid Baraza at the Treasury Square later in the day.
Kassim, who was disqualified from the Senator race by IEBC Disputes Resolution Committee, said he is not bitter about losing his candidature.
There was speculation that he could be on his way out of Jubilee after the nomination certificate was handed to Mombasa deputy governor Hazel Katana.
"I am still in Jubilee despite everything that has happened. I will help Jubilee win seats in Mombasa."
"This is how politics should be. It is about love for the party and for people too. No hate," Kassim told the Star.
Nyali MP Hezron Awiti is also eying the governor seat on a Vibrant Democratic Party ticket.
On Monday, he sent his message of peace, love, and prosperity to Mombasa residents saying only peace will ensure the county prospers regardless of who is at the helm.
"Even when I win and there is no peace in Mombasa, no development can be achieved," Awiti said.
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