Political rift in Mombasa threatens public service delivery
The escalating tension has left Mombasa residents frustrated, with many urging both sides to set aside their differences and focus on service delivery.
The growing division between Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration and a faction of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) led by Speaker Harub Khatri is raising concerns among residents, who fear that the infighting could derail key development projects and disrupt essential services.
Recent public exchanges between the executive and the assembly have highlighted widening cracks in county leadership.
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Governor Nassir has accused some MCAs of resisting his administration’s development agenda, while Speaker Khatri and his allies argue that critical issues, such as healthcare, are being overlooked.
“You cannot have two sides, we are either in government together, or I am in government alone,” Nassir said during a public forum.
“If someone does not want to work with me, I will work with my executive team and deliver for the people of Mombasa.”
On the other hand, Speaker Khatri has called for prioritisation of healthcare services, particularly in rural hospitals, and the recruitment of more medical staff.
He also raised concerns over Coast General Hospital’s billing system, which he claims has become a burden to low-income residents.
“There is a major concern regarding bills at Coast General Hospital. People are complaining that the facility now operates like a private hospital due to the high charges,” Khatri said.
According to Khatri, “Patients who cannot afford to clear their bills are being detained, and even deceased bodies are being held. I have raised these issues with the governor before, but they remain unresolved.”
The Kadzandani MCA who also serves as the vice chair assembly health committee Fatuma Kushe noted, that a section of the executives have turned to be politicians instead of carrying out their work as ministers.
Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Arub Khatri during a past session at the assembly chambers. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
“Their work as ministers is to deliver for the Mombasa people, but a number of them want to become politicians yet on the ground we do not see any development ongoing. They need to understand our work is to oversight, so let them work for the residents of Mombasa,” Kushe said.
Residents' frustrations
The escalating tension has left Mombasa residents frustrated, with many urging both sides to set aside their differences and focus on service delivery.
Fatuma Mwinyi, a resident of Kisauni, said the political wrangles are a betrayal of the people who elected the leaders. “We voted for them to work for us, not to fight each other. If they continue like this, projects will stall, and we, the people, will suffer,” she said.
Ali Rashid, a boda boda operator, expressed similar sentiments, warning that ordinary citizens are the ones bearing the brunt of the infighting. “All we need is good roads, security, and proper healthcare. This political wrangling is unnecessary. Let them focus on delivering on their promises,” he said.
At Kongowea Market, trader Zubeda Kassim decried the high cost of medical services, saying hospitals should be affordable to all. “Instead of arguing in public forums, leaders should address the rising cost of treatment. Many families cannot afford healthcare, and that should be their priority,” she said.
Hassan Juma, a youth leader, called for dialogue between the governor and the assembly to prevent further governance disruptions. “Governor Nassir and Speaker Khatri must sit down and resolve their issues amicably. Politics should not come before service delivery,” he said.
Salma Bakari, a mother of three, lamented that leadership wrangles were stalling Mombasa’s progress. “We are tired of politicians playing blame games. If they do not work together, Mombasa will lag behind in development,” she said.
As residents continue to voice their frustrations, the call for unity and cooperation between the executive and the assembly is growing louder, with many warning that prolonged disputes could cripple the county’s economic progress.
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