Mombasa residents are calling on voters to elect leaders with a proven track record in the 2027 general elections.
Analysts, led by Fast Action Business Community’s Salim Karama, warned that failure to do so would allow ineffective leadership to persist.
“Bad leaders will always remain in power if we do not change the narrative. We must elect leaders with an excellent track record,” Karama said.
He further claimed that many Coast leaders have a habit of aligning themselves with dominant political parties instead of standing on their own merit.
Karama also criticized Coast lawmakers, accusing them of selfishness and failing to prioritize the needs of their constituents.
He emphasized the need for a strong regional spokesperson to champion the Coast region’s concerns.
“As it stands, the coastal region lacks a spokesperson, making it difficult for our concerns to be fully addressed,” he noted.
Karama also accused elected lawmakers of neglecting their voters, arguing that many leaders lose touch with their electorate once in office.
The outspoken businessman dismissed the political pact between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying it holds no benefits for the Coast region.
“Some of our leaders will fall victim to this pact and will soon be sidelined from government,” he claimed.
Athman Sharrif, a resident of Mvita, echoed similar sentiments, stating that many parliamentarians have failed to deliver on their mandates.
He noted that even well-intentioned leaders change once they enter parliament.
“Our Sheikh, who was elected, has always been lamenting about top leaders. He always says, ‘Let’s wait a bit,’” Sharrif said.
He also urged the youth to vote wisely in the upcoming general elections.
“The system itself is corrupt. People become corrupt once they enter government,” he added.