Linda Mwananchi Mombasa team fronts Mbogo for deputy position

Former Kisuani MP Ali Mbogo in Mombasa on Saturday / BRIAN OTIENOFormer Kisuani MP Ali Mbogo in Mombasa on Saturday / BRIAN OTIENOLinda Mwananchi Movement Mombasa secretary general Bishop Otieno Minya [holding laptop] and former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo [red cap] in Mombasa on Saturday / BRIAN OTIENOThe Mombasa secretariat of the Linda Mwananchi Movement has endorsed former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo for the party’s Coast regional deputy leadership position.

It has also backed him for the Mombasa governor ticket in next year’s election.

The twin endorsement could complicate reported political negotiations seeking to persuade Mbogo to abandon his governor ambitions in favour of his former parliamentary seat, as some party figures push for a possible working arrangement with businessman Suleiman Shahbal.

Led by secretary general Bishop Otieno Minya, the Mombasa secretariat said meaningful regional representation was critical in building an inclusive national political institution.

The secretariat said Mbogo’s political experience, involvement in championing the movement’s agenda and engagement with grassroots structures made him suitable for the deputy party leader position representing the Coast region.

“We are therefore formally forwarding his name to the national party leadership for consideration for this position, which has been designated for Coast regional representation,” Minya said in a statement issued in Mombasa on Saturday.

The secretariat also affirmed Mbogo as its preferred candidate for the Mombasa governor seat, citing his involvement in strengthening party structures and advancing the movement’s interests.

Minya said the decision followed an assessment of the leadership requirements and political responsibilities associated with the movement’s presence in the county.

The endorsement came amid reports of efforts by some political figures within LMM and Kalonzo Musyoka’s Ukombozi Alliance to persuade Mbogo to shelve his governor ambitions and return to the Kisauni parliamentary race.

The discussions reportedly favour Shahbal as the movement’s preferred candidate for governor.

Shahbal has settled on The New Democrats (TND) party as his political vehicle for the 2027 contest, with LMM and Ukombozi Alliance reportedly seeking to bring the party into their political fold.

Nyali MP Mohammed Ali is also reportedly being approached to abandon his governor ambitions and retain his parliamentary seat.

However, it remains unclear whether Mbogo and Ali would accept the proposed arrangement, given their investments in their respective campaigns. Neither has publicly confirmed accepting such a proposal.

Meanwhile, Minya said the secretariat, chaired by Hisham Mwidau, would prioritise the interests of Mombasa residents while strengthening the movement’s organisational structures.

He urged party members, aspirants and grassroots representatives to work within a coordinated framework to promote unity, accountability and discipline.

“Our intention is not to create competing centres of leadership, but to consolidate the existing structures and establish a unified institutional voice for the movement in Mombasa County,” he said.

Minya also appealed for peaceful coexistence among communities, warning against tribal antagonism, intimidation, and divisive politics as the county approaches the 2027 elections.

He said Mombasa’s diverse communities should all have a place in political and development discussions shaping the county’s future.

The secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots participation, expanding stakeholder engagement, and improving coordination between the national leadership and county structures.