Leaders of the Cushite community in Mombasa County, Kenya, have expressed their support for President William Ruto's re-election bid. According to Mohamed Dahir, a community leader, the decision to back the president is based on the ongoing development projects in the North Eastern region, the abolition of vetting for national identity cards, and the inclusivity of the Cushite community in government. This move is expected to strengthen the community's unity and voice on issues affecting its residents.
The Cushite community has initiated a voter registration drive to increase its numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election. The community aims to field at least five candidates for Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions in Mombasa. To achieve this, leaders are working to foster unity and establish a common voice on issues such as access to government services, employment, and political representation. This strategic move is expected to enhance the community's chances in the upcoming elections.
On Sunday, the Cushite community will hold a mega engagement with Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale to drum up support for President Ruto and advocate for greater unity among Cushites. The meeting will provide a platform for discussions on social, economic, political, and financial issues affecting the community, including healthcare, education, employment, business opportunities, access to finance, youth and women's empowerment, representation, and equitable access to government programs.
Mohamed Dahir urged members of the community living and working in Mombasa to participate in civic and political affairs, where they reside, rather than traveling to other counties during elections. He emphasized that every eligible Cushite should register where they lawfully reside, participate peacefully, and make their own informed choice about the leadership of their home county and country. Dahir also appealed to political leaders from other counties to respect the democratic choices of Cushites who are permanent residents of Mombasa.
The community leaders are involved in voter registration sensitization and efforts to improve access to identification documents, working with relevant government agencies to reach residents at the grassroots level. Ali Sheikh Adan, the Association chairman, noted that the community has experienced improvements in access to passports and national identification services compared to previous years. He attributed this to the well-coordinated working relationship between the community and Mombasa County leadership.
Ali Sheikh Adan expressed satisfaction with the attention the Cushite community has received from the Mombasa County leadership and emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship with leaders addressing its concerns. The gathering will bring together the Cushite Community Association, the Council of Cushite Elders, and representatives from each of Mombasa's six sub-counties. This meeting is expected to strengthen cooperation among Cushites living in different parts of the county.
The Cushite community spokesperson, Shukri Osman, welcomed the Health Cabinet Secretary as a united Cushite community. The meeting with Aden Duale will provide an opportunity for residents to come together and discuss issues affecting them. The community is seeking to coordinate its leadership structures and strengthen cooperation among Cushites living in different parts of the county.
Key points
- The Cushite community in Mombasa County is backing President William Ruto's re-election bid, citing development projects and inclusivity.
- The community has initiated a voter registration drive to increase its numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- The Cushite community will hold a mega engagement with Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale to discuss issues affecting the community.
