Two independent parliamentary candidates in Mombasa county received formal clearance from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the August 9 general elections. Abdulrahim Ramadhan Seif Kajembe, 34, son of late Changamwe MP Ramadhan Seif Kajembe, secured approval to run for Jomvu constituency as an independent. His brother-in-law, incumbent Badi Twalib, remains a key opponent in the race.
Kajembe, who previously worked with Kenya Electricity Generating Company (Kengen), criticized the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for denying him a party ticket. 'ODM's actions forced me to seek independent candidacy,' he stated. The candidate, whose symbol is a bulldozer, emphasized equitable resource distribution and poverty alleviation through job creation in Jomvu.
Eric Gitonga, a logistics expert and former Kenya International Freight, Warehousing Forwarders Association (KIFWA) chairman, also received IEBC clearance for Nyali constituency. He pledged to prioritize tourism development, education reform, and infrastructure improvements in the area. Gitonga's campaign platform includes support for small businesses and enhanced healthcare services.
Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, who previously served as an independent, will now campaign under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) banner. He faces ODM candidate Said Abdalah Saidoo, who is seeking his second attempt to win the seat. Additional candidates are expected to seek clearance in the coming days.
