Mbogo Declares 2027 Mombasa Governor Bid, Dismisses Deputy Rumors

LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority Chairman Ali Menza Mbogo has declared his candidacy for the 2027 Mombasa Governor race, dismissing reports that he was being lined up as a running mate for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Sarai.

Mbogo made the announcement at a Likoni town hall attended by over 700 women, signalling the start of an active grassroots campaign.

Mbogo Rejects Deputy Role Rumors

Mbogo made the declaration during a grassroots engagement meeting held at Soweto Village in Likoni Ward, where residents gathered to discuss development challenges facing Mombasa County.

Addressing the crowd, Mbogo distanced himself from speculation about a deputy role on a rival’s ticket. “This time around, there is no this or that. Don’t listen to propaganda stories saying Mbogo is a deputy. Whose deputy? I am Ali Menza Mbogo, a youth from Kisauni,” he said.

Taking direct aim at incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Mbogo pledged to unseat him at the ballot. “On the tenth of August, I am sending you back home first thing in the morning,” he declared.

His remarks come amid speculation of a possible political alliance between Mbogo and Sarai, with rumours suggesting Mbogo was set to serve as deputy governor on Sarai’s ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.

The two leaders had previously been seen engaging in what observers described as cooperative political discussions.

Women Raise Development Concerns at Likoni Forum

Women town hall meeting Soweto Village Likoni contituency Mombasa county development

The Likoni forum also served as a platform for residents to raise pressing development concerns. Participants highlighted challenges in access to quality education and affordable healthcare, high service costs at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Makadara, poor sanitation, ineffective waste management, persistent drainage problems, and traffic congestion across Mombasa County.

Mbogo described the discussions as candid and insightful, noting the frustration expressed by residents over what he termed a lack of visible leadership and responsiveness from the current county administration.

Mombasa 2027 Race Gains Momentum
The Likoni engagement forms part of a broader grassroots outreach strategy by Mbogo as he positions himself as a challenger in the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The Mombasa contest is shaping up as a competitive race, with several leaders signalling interest, including United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Hassan Sarai, businessman Suleiman Shahbal and incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir.

Political observers note that early declarations and increased grassroots mobilization point to an intensifying contest as aspirants seek to consolidate support ahead of the elections.