By Miraj Guo
September 1, 2026
Village elders and Nyumba Kumi leaders in Nyali Sub-County have been urged to encourage residents to participate actively in the electoral process and elect leaders who will prioritise accountability, representation and the interests of the people.
The call was made during a consultative meeting between village elders, mabalozi and the Deputy County Commissioner for Nyali Constituency, where participants discussed matters affecting residents, including security, development and community engagement.
The forum brought together grassroots leaders and government administrators to strengthen cooperation between communities and the National Government Administration while providing a platform to address issues affecting residents at the local level.
Speaking during the meeting, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar Sarai said Mombasa residents deserve leaders who can effectively represent them, provide oversight and hold government institutions accountable.
“We need representation, we need oversight, we need accountability, and we need leaders who will stand up and demand better governance from the County Government,” Sarai said.
He challenged elected leaders to focus on their constitutional responsibilities rather than seeking publicity, particularly when dealing with issues affecting residents.
“Mombasa elected a Senator to hold power accountable, not to compete with NGOs in front of cameras. Accountability is not charity; it is leadership,” Sarai said.
Sarai said leaders representing Mombasa should use their positions to question how public funds are utilised, demand answers when services fail, defend devolution and safeguard the interests of residents.
“We need leaders who will stand in Parliament, question where our money goes, demand answers when services fail, defend devolution and speak for the people of Mombasa. Let’s work as Senators, not like NGOs,” he added.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of grassroots leaders in mobilising residents to obtain national identity cards, register as voters and participate in the 2027 General Election.
The elders and mabalozi were urged to sensitise residents on the importance of exercising their democratic right to vote, with leaders stressing that communities that fail to participate risk being left behind in decisions concerning their future.
Sarai further maintained that residents should elect leaders who spend their time addressing public concerns and demanding solutions from relevant authorities.
“Our people deserve leaders who spend their time asking questions, demanding answers and protecting the interests of Mombasa, not chasing publicity,” he said.
The consultative forum also provided an opportunity for grassroots representatives to discuss security concerns, local disputes and development challenges affecting their respective neighbourhoods.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between grassroots leaders, government administrators and residents in addressing local challenges and ensuring that government services and development initiatives reach communities across Nyali.
