Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohammed Hussein has called for calm, sober dialogue in addressing the county’s long-standing land challenges, warning against emotional approaches to what he described as a highly sensitive issue.

Speaking during a consultative meeting organised by Sauti ya Makao, Hussein said land issues require wisdom and patience, noting that they have persisted for decades.

“Let us not handle land issues with emotions. We need sobriety and wisdom because this is a very sensitive issue that has faced us for a very long time,” he said.

Hussein noted that land disputes vary from one area to another and cannot be resolved using a blanket approach, citing Kwa Bulo and Mbuyu wa Chapa as examples.

"The problem at Kwa Bulo is not the same problem at Mbuyu wa Chapa, so we must face these issues with care. We cannot keep using the same formula we have used before because it has not brought solutions,” he stated.

The Lands CEC emphasized that dialogue and adherence to the law remain central to resolving land ownership disputes, urging residents to reject leaders who fuel divisions for personal gain.

"Solutions can only be found through dialogue. We must avoid people who divide us for their own gain, and we also have laws that govern land ownership which must be followed, even when people do not want to hear the truth,” Hussein said.

The meeting brought together land owners, key stakeholders, civil society organisations and Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, as discussions also focused on emerging challenges such as houses built without land ownership.

Hussein said the county has taken proactive steps through the Ardhi Fund initiative.

"We have to acknowledge there is a problem that needs a solution that will make life easier for the coming generations. As a county government, we saw this problem and that is why we started the Ardhi Fund. We must either find solutions or continue blaming each other,” he said.

Coast leaders have rallied behind Mining Cabinet SecretaryvHassan Joho, endorsing him as the region’s political torchbearer and a natural successor to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The leaders say Joho has demonstrated the experience, influence and national outlook needed to unite the Coast and effectively articulate its interests on the national stage in the post-Raila era.

They argue that Joho’s political journey, spanning grassroots activism to national leadership, places him in a strong position to consolidate ODM support at the Coast while building bridges across the country.

The endorsement signals a possible realignment of regional politics, with Coast leaders keen to have a strong, home-grown kingpin to negotiate power and development at the national level.

Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has also openly thrown her weight behind Joho, calling on the Coast region to close ranks and claim its moment in national politics.

She said the Coast has consistently supported ODM and now deserves to produce the party’s top leadership, noting that Joho’s long-standing investment and loyalty to the party set him apart.

"As the people of the Coast, we now need to stand together. Coast has always supported ODM, and Joho has invested a lot in the party. It is now time that the focus and leadership of the party goes to Joho. Joho has all it takes,” Jumwa said.

She added that denying Joho the leadership would force the region to chart another political path, insisting, “We cannot champion Coast unity without a leader. We need a leader, and that leader is Joho. Let Baba’s inheritor come from the Coast, and that person is Hassan Joho.”

Kilifi North MP Ken Chonga echoed the sentiments, praising Joho’s central role in building ODM and urging him to step forward as the Coast’s chief negotiator in national politics.

Chonga said Joho’s contribution to the party is deeply embedded in its history and cannot be overlooked.

"You have played a big role in where ODM is today. The history of ODM will not be complete without your name. There is no one who builds a home and then leaves it to go to a neighbour,” Chonga said. “It is now your time, Joho. You must negotiate on our behalf as the people of the Coast region.”

Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu also voiced her support, urging Joho to embrace the leadership mantle without fear. She said the Coast region is firmly behind him and ready to follow his direction.

"We are now looking up to you. Let no one intimidate you. You have all it takes to be our leader, and we will follow what you tell us,” Mbeyu said.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi described Joho as a courageous and principled leader who has been mentored by Raila Odinga, saying he embodies the values of the ODM leader.

Mwinyi noted that Joho’s political bravery and loyalty to the party make him well-suited to guide the Coast in the next phase of national politics.

"Hassan Joho has proven to be a brave leader, and he is a good student of Raila Odinga,” Mwinyi said.

“Hassan Joho, you have the blessings of Raila Odinga. You are the only person Raila trusted enough to spend days sleeping at your house,” noted Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Jacob Fikirini.

Likoni Mp Mishi Mboko noted “Hassan Joho is not an outsider in ODM, he is one of the party’s founders who sacrificed his life, resources, and time to build it. The time has now come for ODM to return the favour.”

The leaders were speaking during a special celebration to mark Raila Odinga’s birthday held in Kilifi, an event that doubled as a show of unity and a strong political signal on the Coast’s expectations in the party’s future leadership.

On a quiet Tuesday in Mombasa, the aroma of spiced rice and simmering tradition welcomed an unexpected guest as George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, stepped into Mangaboy Biriani and BBQ,accompanied by his friends, to share in the city’s beloved ritual,  a plate of biryani.

The modest eatery located in Majengo, known for its bold flavours and unpretentious charm, momentarily became a meeting point of power and the people, where steaming grains and slow-cooked meat spoke a language familiar to every coastal palate.

Lunch-hour calm quickly gave way to excitement as diners, surprised by the familiar face, struggled to contain their joy, each eager for a photo moment with George and his friends, turning an ordinary afternoon into a lively, shared memory etched in the warmth of Mombasa’s food culture.

The presence of George and his friends blended effortlessly into the rhythm of the joint, with laughter, casual conversation and the clatter of plates filling the space. For a moment, the boundaries between prominence and everyday life dissolved, replaced by the shared comfort of food and fellowship.

As the afternoon wore on, Mangaboy returned to its usual pace, but the memory lingered  a reminder that even in brief encounters, simple acts like sharing a meal can leave a lasting impression, turning a regular lunch hour into a story diners would recount long after the last grain of biryani was savoured.

Mvita MP Mohammed Machele has assured creatives of a lasting solution to the ownership dispute involving the Little Theatre Club and Kenya Railways, following concerns over possible eviction from the historic space.

The dispute escalated last week after officials from Kenya Railways visited the club and indicated that there were plans to establish a Kenya Railways training institute on the land currently occupied by the Little Theatre Club, sparking anxiety among creatives who use the venue as a cultural and artistic hub.

Speaking on Tuesday after holding a meeting with officials of the Little Theatre Club, Machele, who was accompanied by Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Nur, said the matter would be addressed conclusively through consultations with the relevant government ministries.

He noted that he would personally follow up the issue with the Ministries of Transport and Culture to safeguard the interests of creatives.

"I want to assure creatives not to worry. They will not be removed from this land,” said Machele. “This is their space, and we will ensure a lasting solution that respects culture, creativity, and the law.”

County Commissioner Mohammed Nur echoed the call for calm, emphasizing the need for dialogue and inter-agency consultation to resolve the matter amicably without disrupting the creative community.

The Little Theatre Club has for decades served as an important cultural centre in Mombasa, hosting theatre productions, music, and other creative activities.

Creatives have expressed concern that any loss of the space would deal a major blow to the county’s arts and culture sector.

Renowned scholar and Columbia University lecturer Mahmood Mamdani will launch his latest book, Slow Poison: Idi Amin, Yoweri Museveni, and the Making of the Ugandan State, at the Swahilipot Hub this Friday.

The Mombasa event marks the East African premiere of the book, which could not be launched in Uganda due to its sensitive content.

The work was first unveiled in the United States at Columbia University, attracting global attention from academics and policymakers.

Slow Poison provides a personal and historical account of Uganda’s post-independence political evolution, examining the legacies of Idi Amin and Yoweri Museveni.

Mamdani blends memoir and research, reflecting on his own experiences growing up under Amin’s regime and his journey as a leading African intellectual.

The launch will feature a reading by Mamdani, remarks from local scholars, and a Q&A session with attendees. Organizers say Mombasa was chosen for its reputation as a vibrant hub for culture, literature, and intellectual discourse in East Africa.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is set to bring together Coast leaders for an invite-only event aimed at honouring and celebrating the life and legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

The gathering, scheduled for Wednesday at the Sun n Sand Hotel in Kilifi, will provide a platform for leaders from the region to reflect on Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s political journey and his deep-rooted influence at the Coast.

The event will focus on remembering Odinga not only as a national statesman and reformist but also as a mentor who shaped generations of leaders.

Participants will be given an opportunity to share personal memories and experiences, recounting how they knew and worked with the late Odinga at different stages of his long and eventful political career.

Organisers say the forum is intended to be solemn yet reflective, celebrating a legacy that transcended political divides and regional boundaries.

In a statement on his social media handles, Joho described the gathering as a moment to honour what would have been Odinga’s 80+1 milestone, noting that his life offered enduring lessons on resilience and purpose.

“This Wednesday, we will be coming together to honour and celebrate Baba, Rt. Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga @ 80+1. His journey teaches us that resilience is not the absence of struggle but the courage to walk through it with purpose,” Joho said.

Joho, a longtime ally, astute supporter and self-proclaimed student of the late Odinga, said his mentor’s vision did not end with his passing but continues to live on through those he inspired.

“His vision did not end with him; it took root in the minds and hearts of those he mentored. In us, his ideals continue to breathe, reminding us that true leadership is measured not by years but by the generations it awakens,” he said.

The Kilifi ceremony is expected to draw senior political figures, opinion leaders and close allies of the late Odinga from across the Coast region.

According to organisers, the gathering will serve as both a tribute and a celebration of a leader whose ideals of democracy, inclusivity and social justice remain firmly embedded in Kenya’s political fabric.

As Africa’s biggest football tournament unfolds in Morocco, TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and 2027 and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has unveiled a suite of AI-powered features designed to transform how Kenyan fans watch, interpret, and share Africa’s biggest football tournament., is bringing Kenyan fans closer to the action through its enhanced artificial intelligence assistant, ELLA AI.

Reintroduced for AFCON as ELLA AI Coach, the smart assistant is designed to fit seamlessly into the daily lives of Kenyans, whether they are following matches from home, watching with friends at local spots, or catching highlights while commuting or working.

ELLA AI COACH: DESIGNED FOR HOW KENYAN AND AFRICA EXPERIENCES FOOTBALL

Football in Kenya is social, expressive, and deeply woven into everyday life. ELLA AI Coach reflects this reality by delivering AFCON insights that are practical, intuitive, and easy to access on TECNO smartphones.

Key features available to Kenyan users include:

Match Decoder
ELLA AI analyzes team formations, past performance, and match dynamics to provide intelligent insights into upcoming games. For Kenyan fans who enjoy debating tactics, line-ups, and likely outcomes, Match Decoder adds informed context to football conversations at home, in matatus, offices, and watch parties.

Snap-and-Know
By simply taking a photo of a match fixture on TV, a poster, or a WhatsApp flyer, ELLA AI instantly provides accurate match details including kick-off time, date, and stadium. This feature supports Kenyans juggling work, family, and social commitments, ensuring they never miss a key AFCON match.

Daily Highlights

For fans who may not watch every match live, ELLA AI delivers concise daily summaries and key moments from completed games. Whether on a lunch break, in traffic, or between meetings, Kenyan users can stay up to date with AFCON without interrupting their routines.

StarCam

StarCam adds a playful, social layer to football fandom, allowing users to creatively place themselves alongside celebrities and public figures as if they are watching the match together. Designed for social sharing, the feature captures Kenya’s vibrant digital culture and love for expressive storytelling around football.

BEYOND FOOTBALL: A PERSONAL AI ASSISTANT FOR DAILY LIFE

While ELLA AI Coach enhances the AFCON experience, it continues to function as a reliable personal assistant for everyday life in Kenya. From answering questions and assisting with homework to helping plan daily schedules and discover content, ELLA AI supports productivity, learning, and convenience on a single device.
By integrating AFCON features into an assistant already used for daily tasks, TECNO ensures that technology remains relevant, practical, and accessible to Kenyan users.

Political activist and Likoni MP aspirant Evans Momanyi has called on fellow political aspirants in Likoni Constituency to embrace unity and work together for the greater good of residents, saying division will only derail development.

"Likoni needs leaders who can rise above personal interests and focus on the common goal of uplifting our people,” Momanyi said.

Adding “Unity among aspirants is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of maturity and commitment to service.”

He noted that collaboration on key issues such as youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security would help present a clear development agenda for the constituency.

"When we speak with one voice on matters affecting Likoni, we stand a better chance of delivering real and lasting change,” Momanyi noted.

The Likoni parliamentary seat is currently held by Mishi Mboko, who won the seat in the last general election and has maintained a visible presence in constituency affairs as the 2027 race begins to take shape.

Several other candidates have already expressed interest in the seat, among them nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi and popular TV presenter Mwanahamisi Hamadi, setting the stage for a competitive contest that is expected to draw significant public attention in the constituency.

Momanyi’s call for unity comes as political activity intensifies in the area, with residents watching closely to see how the aspirants will engage with each other ahead of the upcoming election.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has backed President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers, saying the narcotics trade remains a serious threat to society, particularly in the Coast region.

The governor said decisive action was needed to dismantle drug networks that continue to destroy families and destabilize communities.

"I support President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers. The narcotics trade continues to be a grave threat to society, especially here at the Coast,” Nassir said, noting that the region has for years borne the brunt of drug abuse and trafficking.

Speaking during a church service in VOK, Mombasa, the governor warned that the fight against drugs should go beyond traditional narcotics to address emerging substances harming young people.

He singled out Muguka, arguing that its growing use poses a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of the youth.

“We must also wake up to the threat that other substances such as Muguka pose to our youth,” Nassir said, urging lawmakers to take firm action.

“I call on our legislators to amend the law, remove Muguka from the list of cash crops, and classify it as a harmful drug. We need decisive national action to protect our families and future generations.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has backed President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers, saying the narcotics trade remains a serious threat to society, particularly in the Coast region.

The governor said decisive action was needed to dismantle drug networks that continue to destroy families and destabilize communities.

"I support President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers. The narcotics trade continues to be a grave threat to society, especially here at the Coast,” Nassir said, noting that the region has for years borne the brunt of drug abuse and trafficking.

Speaking during a church service in VOK, Mombasa, the governor warned that the fight against drugs should go beyond traditional narcotics to address emerging substances harming young people.

He singled out Muguka, arguing that its growing use poses a serious risk to the health and wellbeing of the youth.

“We must also wake up to the threat that other substances such as Muguka pose to our youth,” Nassir said, urging lawmakers to take firm action. “I call on our legislators to amend the law, remove Muguka from the list of cash crops, and classify it as a harmful drug. We need decisive national action to protect our families and future generations.