A devastating fire incident in Magongo on Sunday evening has left several families homeless after three houses were completely destroyed, prompting leaders in Mombasa to call for urgent improvements in the county’s fire and rescue response.

Speaking at the scene, Senator Faki emphasized the need for the county government to strengthen its emergency response systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The county government needs to invest more in the fire and rescue department to avert more disasters,” said Faki.

Area Mp Omar Mwinyi assured the victims of continued support, noting that he and the Senator had adjusted their schedules to stand with the affected families during the difficult time.

“We are here to stand with the family. The Senator and I were supposed to be in Nairobi for parliamentary business, but we have decided to be here with you. We will stand with you all the way,” said Mwinyi.

The MP further revealed that Suleiman Shahbal had been informed about the tragedy and had had already extended his support.

“I informed my friend Suleiman Shahbal about this incident, and he has sent his contribution of kshs 100,000 and promised to be with you all the way,” he added.

Residents, however, expressed frustration with what they termed as a delayed response by the county’s fire and rescue department, which they said worsened the situation and led to greater losses.

Some locals claimed that by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the flames had already spread uncontrollably, making it difficult to salvage property.

The incident has once again brought to the fore concerns over the capacity and efficiency of Mombasa County’s emergency response units, with leaders and residents alike calling for urgent reforms and better resourcing of the fire department.

No casualties were reported, but families affected by the fire are now appealing for well-wishers and authorities to support them as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Mombasa Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir has urged political unity among party leaders and aspirants, emphasizing the need to work together for development and a successful 2027 general election, 

Speaking on Sunday during the official opening of the new 1.3km cabro road in Owino Uhuru, Jomvu. linking Mikindani and Jomvu Kuu wards, Nassir stressed that party cohesion will be critical in determining ODM’s role ahead of the next election cycle.

“We have always said that ODM does not work in isolation. Our history as a party is built on strong partnerships with like‑minded forces,” Nassir stated, calling on all leaders to respect the collective decision of the party.

The governor underscored the party’s backing of Dr Oburu Oginga as the official leader to begin strategic talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), reinforcing that the majority of party members have settled on his leadership.

“If you do not want Oburu Oginga as party leader, step aside and let ODM members move on with him,” Nassir said, directly addressing critics within the party ranks.

Dr Oburu Oginga, a seasoned politician and current ODM Party Leader, is expected to lead discussions as ODM explores working arrangements with UDA ahead of the next general election.

Nassir also cautioned against disrespectful attacks on party leadership, saying: “Respect is not slavery. You cannot insult your elders. We must all respect the party leader,” he remarked, in reference to criticism directed at Oburu.

Acknowledging internal differences, Nassir nevertheless appealed for mutual respect and unity of purpose: “For those who are not comfortable, please respect our choices and chart your own way without interfering with us.”

He reiterated ODM’s historical approach to coalition politics and stressed that the party’s strategic position should reflect its commitment to development and national leadership.

“In 2027, we should either be in government or forming the government,” he said.

The commissioning of the road project is part of broader infrastructure improvements in Mombasa aimed at enhancing accessibility and boosting local socio‑economic activity.

As the political temperature rises ahead of the 2027 polls, Nassir’s comments signal ODM’s intent to consolidate support and leverage partnerships, while firmly backing its chosen leadership to steer negotiations and alliance building.

A section of Mombasa leaders have rallied behind Governor Abdulswamad Nassir following his recent confirmation as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader, using the occasion to endorse his leadership and call for his re-election.

The leaders spoke during the commissioning of the Owino Uhuru Road in Jomvu, a project they described as a major milestone for residents who have long struggled with poor infrastructure.

Bofu Ward MCA Manuari Juma congratulated the Governor on his new party role, terming it a vote of confidence in his leadership.

“We congratulate Governor Nassir for his confirmation as ODM Deputy Leader. This is a clear indication of trust and faith in his leadership,” said Manuari.

Miritini MCA Kibwana Swaleh praised the Governor’s development track record, insisting he deserves another term in office.

“Governor Nassir, you truly deserve another term. You have proven this through your work,” he said.

Mombasa Woman Representative aspirant Amina Abdallah urged residents to remain united behind the Governor, dismissing criticism from his opponents.

“We are firmly behind Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and we will ensure that he gets back to office for a second term. We have seen his work. Let us not listen to critics and naysayers,” she stated.

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib highlighted the significance of the newly commissioned road, noting that it has transformed the lives of local residents.

“Governor Nassir is a trusted leader who has always stood with his people. The construction of this road is a true testament. The people here have never seen a road, but the Governor has made it possible,” said Badi.

He also reiterated his support for the Governor’s re-election and leadership within ODM.

“We would like to congratulate him for being confirmed as the ODM Deputy Party Leader. We have faith in his leadership. He is a two-term Governor, and we will stand with him. We will go where he tells us to go,” he added.

Nominated MCA Mwaka Bakari echoed the sentiments, noting that while the Governor has delivered on key promises, more still needs to be done.

“Our Governor has delivered some of his promises and needs another chance to continue with his agenda,” she said.

The commissioning of the Owino Uhuru Road marks a significant step in improving infrastructure in Jomvu, with leaders expressing optimism that more development projects will follow under Governor Nassir’s leadership.

A grieving family in Mtongwe has received a major relief after Mombasa Empowerment stepped in to settle an outstanding medical bill for the late Phance Kemunto, a 32-year-old single mother who passed away earlier this week.

The organization cleared the bill at Coast General Hospital, easing the financial burden on the bereaved family during an already difficult time.

Kemunto, described as a hardworking woman, died on Monday, March 26, 2026, in Mtongwe.

The incident was formally reported at the police station under OB Number 22/23/03/2026 at 2330 hours.

She leaves behind two young children, including 12-year-old Amina Said Ali, a pupil at Likoni Primary School, and her younger sibling, Omari Saidi Said Ali.

Speaking on behalf of Mombasa Empowerment, Evans Momanyi expressed condolences to the family and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community.

"Mombasa Empowerment wishes to inform the public that today we successfully offset the outstanding medical bill for the late Phance Kemunto. This is part of our commitment to stand with families in their time of need,” he said.

He further revealed that beyond settling the hospital bill, he has taken a personal initiative to ensure the children’s future is safeguarded through education support.

"Following this unfortunate loss, I have taken the personal initiative to support and facilitate the education of the children to ensure their future remains secure despite the tragic circumstances,” he added.

The Ladima Foundation is excited to announce the 5 shortlisted films for the 2026 edition of The Adiaha Award for Best Documentary by an African Woman Filmmaker after a record number of submissions were received.

With a strong representation this year from North Africa, the five films will now proceed to the Jury for the final selection and the announcement of a winner that will take place in June 2026.   

Selection Committee member Theresa Hill (Deputy Director at STEPS - Social Transformation and Empowerment Projects), said “I was impressed by the diverse range of complex themes explored, as well as the broad geographical scope. Many of the films engaged deeply with questions of identity and belonging, while also reflecting on how we honour those who came before us.”

As in previous years, the winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize, and for this, the  8^th edition of the award, the winning filmmaker will be invited to Afrikamera - Current Cinema from Africa  in Berlin later this year to screen their film and take part in networking and media opportunities. Afrikamera - Current Cinema from Africa has been committed to intercultural dialogue between Africa and Germany since 2007 and sees itself as a permanent platform for dialogue between African filmmakers and the Berlin audience, and as a place for exchange between filmmakers, producers, and distributors. 

The Ladima Foundation would like to thank all of the women filmmakers who took the time to submit their films and also congratulates the five shortlisted filmmakers.

The Shortlisted Films are:

1. Tin Hinan, The Last Nomad [Algeria] – Directed by Leila Artese Benhadj

I return to the Sahara searching for my origins, guided by my mother’s memories and by my own need to understand where I come from. In the desert, I find Fatimata and her daughter Leila, two Tuareg women living the fragile passage between nomadism and sedentariness. Through their daily gestures and my voice addressing my mother, the film becomes and intimate journey where a personal quest intersects with a broader transformation, and where the silence of the desert holds both memory and change.

2. The Last Letter to Nasser [Egypt] – Directed by Fayza Harby Bemmann

The filmmaker falls into a dilemma while shooting  a documentary on the Nubian displacements, she seeks answers to her questions by deciding to write to the then Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser. The film explores the personal impact of state-led infrastructure projects on the Nubian community through the examination of the life of a woman named Tahra, who navigates the memories of her flooded village and the societal changes enacted by the Nasser regime.

3. Sleeping Warrior [Kenya] – Directed by Janet Wells and Produced by Nina Ruiz

Sleeping Warrior is a feature documentary about the first female African Lacrosse team. We follow these young women from their homes in Kenya to the World Championships in Canada and see how an unimaginable opportunity has transformed their humble lives.

From getting their first passports, to discovering how their friends and families react, we learn how the power of sport changes these young women. There is heartbreak, joy and always strength of spirit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G29JEePcf0

 4. 50 Meters [Egypt] – Directed by Yomna Khattab

Through a complex and emotionally layered father-daughter journey set in the waters of a community swimming pool in Cairo, yomna, a firt-time director, uses the filmmaking process as a tool to spend more time with her distant father. As she approaches him, she explores her existential questions surrounding career, parenthood and mortality. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=687930596920579

5. And She Didn’t Die [South Africa] – Directed by Kethiwe Zandile Ngcobo

And She Didn't Die is an intimate portrait of Lauretta Ngcobo's journey from rural storyteller to revolutionary to acclaimed feminist writer in exile, told through the eyes of her daughter, filmmaker Kethiwe Ngcobo. This hybrid documentary uses family archives, historical footage, and dramatic readings to show how Lauretta's dangerous political work, escape from South Africa, and literary transformation became acts of resistance, preserving personal history while challenging national narratives.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ykekRY7G94

ABOUT THE LADIMA FOUNDATION

The Ladima Foundation is a not for profit organisation, founded in 2018 and registered in South Africa and Tanzania with the aim of contributing to correcting the major imbalances within the film, TV and content industries.

Through a number of initiatives, The Ladima Foundation supports, trains, and mentors women in a variety of roles within the film, TV, and content spaces.

Through partnerships and collaborations in various countries, as well as through Pan-African networks and interventions, the Ladima Foundation is committed to developing training, networking, and related opportunities for women professionals who demonstrate their seriousness and commitment to their craft. www.ladima.africa

ABOUT AFRIKAMERA – Current Cinema from Africa

The non-profit cultural association toucouleur e.V. has promoted the AFRIKAMERA film festival – Current Cinema from Africa since 2007, fostering intercultural dialogue between Africa and Germany. AFRIKAMERA uses film to showcase Berlin audiences the full diversity of the African continent, beyond the common topics of violence, disease, and natural disasters. By presenting everyday life’s many facets and inner perspectives of filmmakers from the continent, it brings these stories to life on the big screen.

AFRIKAMERA positions itself as a lasting platform for dialogue between African filmmakers and Berlin audiences, and as a hub for exchange among filmmakers, producers, and distributors. To this end, AFRIKAMERA collaborates with major African film festivals, institutions, and initiatives from Marrakesh to Durban.

With annually changing thematic focuses, the festival tackles issues relevant to Africa’s post-independence-generation of young filmmakers. AFRIKAMERA also engages in education and cultural outreach, organizing workshops, panels, and events in Germany and abroad. More information: https://www.afrikamera.de/en/

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has tabled a motion in the Senate seeking a comprehensive investigation into the victims of the 1994 Mtongwe Ferry Disaster.

The senator is pushing for a thorough inquiry to establish the exact number of families affected and ensure that all victims receive justice.

She urged the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing to carry out a detailed review of compensation efforts.

“The committee should conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the number of affected families, the compensation paid so far, any outstanding claims, and identify which families have not been compensated and the reasons for the delays,” said Senator Miraj.

The senator noted that despite assurances and promises made by various authorities following the tragedy, doubts remain about whether compensation was fully and fairly distributed to all affected families.

In addition, the UDA-nominated senator called on the Mombasa County Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, to establish a permanent memorial in honor of the victims of the disaster.

“The establishment of a national memorial is an important step in honoring those who lost their lives. It also promotes collective social healing and strengthens national accountability to its citizens,” she stated.

Senator Miraj also expressed deep sorrow over the April 29, 1994 tragedy, emphasizing the need to preserve its memory.

“The Likoni ferry disaster resulted in deaths and injuries to innocent citizens, most of them residents of Likoni and Mombasa County. It caused immense national grief and long-term physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts on the families who lost their loved ones and the survivors,” she explained.

The motion will now be debated in the Senate as lawmakers consider the way forward.