United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general Hassan Omar speaks to the media at the party headquarters in Nairobi on May 14, 2026.

📋 Breaking It Down

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar has thrown his weight behind businessman Suleiman Shahbal's decision to challenge Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, rejecting political deals or zoning arrangements that would require aspirants to step aside and give the incumbent a clear run at a second term.

Mr Omar said the choice of who should govern Mombasa must be left to voters, putting him on the same side as Mr Shahbal in opposing efforts to determine the county's next governor through negotiations among political leaders.

Mr Omar said every politician should go back to the people, speak to them and show them their track record.

📌 What You Need to Know

The former human rights defender said there should be no stepping aside and no political agreements.

“Any negotiations or decisions to step aside should happen on the ground, with the voters. I am also a resident of Mombasa seeking elective office. I have my own views. In my view, when it comes to leadership and governance in Mombasa, there has been no administration that has failed as much as the current governor’s,” he said.

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Mr Omar also rejected the suggestion that political leaders should determine who contests the gubernatorial seat.

“So, I will not help him with votes; I may not even vote for him. That is why we are saying there should be no zoning. When I said there should be no zoning, he said he would go and speak to my bosses. I do not know which bosses he was referring to. These people here are our bosses. Let him come and speak to our bosses. Our bosses are the voters, and you are the ones who will decide whether you want this person or that person,” he said.

He said other aspirants had also been asked to make way for rivals but had refused to leave the race.

📰 Source: Nation Africa