Governor Abdulswamad urges unity, interfaith cooperation as Mombasa marks annual Christmas tree ceremony

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, third left, when he presided over the annual Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Mombasa. (Photo: Abdulswamad Nassir/X)

By Farhiya Hussein
Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and religious leaders have warned against divisive, hate-based politics and urged residents to uphold unity, peace and safety as Christmas celebrations begin in the coastal county.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has warned politicians against exploiting religion and ethnicity for political gain, saying such actions threaten the peaceful coexistence that has long defined the coastal county.

Speaking during the annual 'Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony', Abdulswamad urged residents to maintain calm and respect during the festive season, noting that the county’s diversity remains its strongest social pillar.

More To Read

“Mombasa is unique because people of different religions, tribes and backgrounds live side by side in peace. That unity is not accidental. It is something we must deliberately protect,” he said.

He cautioned political actors who rely on hate speech or identity politics, arguing that leadership should be judged on ideas and service delivery rather than division.

“If you have no policies to offer the people, do not turn to hatred. Politics should improve lives, not tear communities apart,” Governor Abdulswamad said.

The governor noted his administration would not allow politics to become a source of tension, adding that safeguarding harmony remains a priority for the county government.

“We will never allow politics to divide the people of Mombasa. Our strength lies in unity, and that is what we will continue to defend,” he said.

Deputy Governor Francis Thoya added that the county government values its partnership with faith leaders, describing them as key stakeholders in promoting social cohesion and development.

“We recognise the role religious leaders play in maintaining harmony and guiding communities. We will continue working closely with them for the good of the county,” he said.

Religious leaders, led by Father Dr Richard Airo, the Director of the Interreligious Dialogue Commission of Mombasa and an adviser to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, praised the county’s approach to religious inclusion and called for greater interfaith cooperation.

“We are fortunate to have leadership that recognises and supports the religious diversity of this county,” Father Airo said. "This will not be a committee that only comes alive at Christmas. From January, we will actively engage to promote unity among Christians and strengthen cooperation with our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

Anglican Church of Kenya Mombasa Diocese Bishop Dr Alphonse Baya Mwaro also urged residents to observe caution during the festive season, warning that the holidays often see a rise in road accidents and other incidents.

“As we enter the Christmas period, we ask residents to be careful, to celebrate responsibly and to act as ambassadors of peace,” Bishop Mwaro said.

He added that sustained peace in the county should not be taken for granted, noting that Mombasa has largely avoided religious and ethnic tensions experienced elsewhere.