Mombasa: Members of the Cushite community in Mombasa County on Sunday crowned their new Chairman, Ali Sheikh. The inauguration ceremony brought together community members to celebrate leadership, unity, and the spirit of togetherness and to chart the community’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was graced by the Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, and Trade, Mohamed Osman. It served as a platform for community leaders to urge members to abandon fragmented political engagement and unite behind a common agenda. Leaders cautioned against politicians who make promises during campaigns only to disappear once the elections are concluded.
Speaking after being crowned, Chairman Ali Sheikh emphasized that the community’s political journey would differ from the past, focusing on unity, dignity, and a clear sense of purpose rather than empty pledges. He expressed a commitment to lead a community that is peaceful yet has
a voice, respectful yet self-aware, and cooperative yet conscious of its worth and expectations. Sheikh highlighted the community’s desire to move from being mere spectators in Mombasa’s politics to becoming full participants, fostering connections between government and citizens, youth and opportunity, and business and growth.
Sheikh stated that the community aims to secure at least three Ward Representative seats in Mombasa and seeks to be involved from the planning stages of political decisions. This would be achieved by working closely with the Council of Elders and sub-county leaders to ensure that votes are cast meaningfully. CECM Osman reinforced the idea that the Cushite community’s political journey began over a decade ago and cannot be claimed by last-minute newcomers seeking votes. He emphasized the community’s long-standing commitment since 2013.
Mombasa County Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed commended the community for supporting its new leadership and stressed that their voices deserve rep
resentation at the highest government levels. She promised to organize an empowerment harambee for the Cushite community and to personally address the community’s concerns with President William Ruto, acknowledging his role in ending the harassment Muslims faced over identification documents and unfounded terrorism links.
