•He was accompanied by his running mate, former Nation journalist, Francis Thoya who also cleared.
•Speaking after getting cleared, Nassir said the journey to transform Mombasa had begun.
Image: LABAN WALLOGA
Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir has been cleared for the Mombasa governor seat.
He was the first Mombasa governor aspirant to get clearance from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Nassir presented his papers to the IEBC at the Kenya School of Government, Mombasa, on Monday.
He was accompanied by his running mate, former Nation journalist, Francis Thoya who also cleared.
Speaking after getting cleared, Nassir said the journey to transform Mombasa had begun.
“The campaigns have just started. This is the journey to ensure that the needs of the people of Mombasa are met through our manifesto,” Nassir said.
It took less than 30 minutes for Nassir to be cleared.
Nassir said the process was quick because he had put all his papers in order and all the required regulations were adhered to.
“These are the most organised papers I have so far received,” Mombasa IEBC returning officer Swalha Ibrahim said.
The two will now officially fly the ODM flag in the governor race.
Earlier in the year, debates about Nassir’s degree qualifications sparked controversy in the county with his opponents questioning whether he had one.
When asked about it, he responded saying, “I don't watch cartoon networks, and my role is to ensure we deliver to the people of Mombasa.”
He said his administration will prioritise the stimulation of the Mombasa economy.
Nassir promised to devolve county services through the Serikali Mtaani programme they intend to implement.
“Ours will be a government for the people listening to their voices. We intend to take devolution down to the village level,” he said.
Earlier, the commission turned away Said Abdalla of the Usawa Kwa Wote Party after his running mate showed up without certified copies of his degree certificate.
The race has attracted nine aspirants.
They are Daniel Munga Kitsao (Independent), Hassan Omar (UDA), William Kingi (PAA) and Hezron Awiti of VDP.
Others are Anthony Chitavi (UDP), Shafii Makazi of UPIA, and former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.
Kingi was on Sunday turned away after his running mate Amin Roble showed up with photocopies of his documents, against IEBC's requirement of carrying both original and copies of the documents.
Awiti, who is taking a second shot at the seat vying on the Vibrant Democratic Party (VDP) party, was also turned away after showing up with an uncertified copy of his degree certificate.
The two were however rescheduled to return on Monday to get clearance.
On Saturday, the commission turned away Daniel Munga Kitsao, an independent candidate on technicalities.
Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar vying for the seat on a United Democratic Alliance party ticket rescheduled his appearance before the commission to Tuesday.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris