Hassan Omar: Mombasa UDA candidates will not be defeated in 2027

By Joshua Cheloti

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar has said that it will be difficult for any party to defeat their candidate in Mombasa in the 2027 general election.

Omar who lost in the Mombasa gubernatorial contest argues that the party performed well in the 2022 poll.

According to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament, the party is working on ensuring it sweeps all the seats in the coastal county that has long been an ODM zone.

"I am telling anyone who is from ODM, I hear you say you have many MPs, but it will be very difficult if you are not in UDA to defeat us," he said.

The EALA MP made the sentiments in a video posted by Nation on Friday.

During the 2022 general election, Kenya Kwanza had 44 per cent of the presidential votes in Mombasa, a figure the former Senator admits was lower than what they had anticipated.

But ahead of the 2027 poll, Omar has asked coast residents to rally behind the ruling party.

He has also dismissed criticisms from the government, insisting that they are working on addressing issues facing the common mwananchi, among them the high cost of living. 

The EALA legislator further believes that ongoing efforts by the President and government will enable UDA to gain ground in the region that remains a strong opposition zone.

"We have the courageous president like William Ruto, also Members of County Assemblies, directors and other leaders," Omar said. 

Nyali MP Mohamed Ali is the only UDA-elected legislator in Mombasa County.

All other seats were won by ODM candidates, including the county's top seat which Omar was eyeing. It was won by Abdulswamad Sharrif, who vied for the seat on the Orange party ticket.

The EALA legislator warning shot comes at a time UDA leaders have claimed they are building a party that will rule for over 100 years.

"We have moved across the country and you have seen that our party is now in every corner of the country. Our plans are bigger and we will expand the party to reach Nyanza region and other areas... this is a massive party that will rule for 100 years," Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told UDA grassroots leaders on Thursday.