Cushite community leaders in Mombasa have formally endorsed President William Ruto’s re-election campaign, emphasizing the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s transformative policies and commitment to national unity. The declaration came during a rally at Serani Sports Grounds on Sunday, where attendees highlighted the administration’s efforts to address historical marginalization and foster inclusive growth. The event, organized by the Cushitic forum, drew significant participation from residents and featured registration services for national identity cards and the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nasir, Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed, and MPs including Mohammed Adow (Wajir South), Hussein Barre (Tarbaj), and Mohamed Abdikheir (Lafey) attended the gathering. They reiterated their backing for Ruto and the Broad-Based Government as the nation approaches the August 10, 2027 General Election. Speakers at the event underscored the Cushite community’s dedication to peaceful coexistence and national progress, aligning with the president’s vision for Kenya’s development.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, representing the arid and semi-arid regions of northern Kenya, praised Ruto’s leadership, stating the country is “in safe hands.” Duale urged Cushitic communities to engage actively in Mombasa’s democratic processes, advocating for greater representation through voting and candidate nominations. He emphasized the importance of unity and integration as pillars for social and economic advancement, citing the president’s achievements in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy over the past four years.
Duale highlighted the Cushite community’s historical marginalization since Kenya’s independence in 1963 and their decision to support Ruto’s re-election as a commitment to sustaining developmental gains. He noted visible progress in northern Kenya, including the nationwide housing program, which has expanded access to housing and created new urban communities. The Cabinet Secretary also praised the ‘Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda’ (BETA), citing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) as key successes.
The administration’s initiatives, such as removing vetting requirements for citizenship documents, the Lamu–Mandera road corridor, and SHA’s expansion, were cited as critical to regional development. Duale reported that over 32 million Kenyans are registered under SHA, with Sh200 billion disbursed to health facilities to support surgeries and medical care. He also detailed ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Sh60 billion Lamu-Garissa-Isiolo Road and the Sh1 billion Garissa Bridge, which aim to enhance trade and connectivity in northern Kenya.
Mombasa Governor Nasir reiterated his vision of an inclusive Mombasa where no community is excluded from opportunities. He praised Ruto’s emphasis on diversity as a national strength, noting past stigmatization of Cushitic communities. Nasir highlighted the National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s (NCIC) recognition of Mombasa’s County Public Service for its inclusivity and diversity, aligning with the administration’s goals. He called for continued efforts to bridge divides and ensure equitable participation in national affairs.
The rally underscored the Cushite community’s strategic alignment with Ruto’s agenda, framing their support as a vote for stability and continuity. With the 2027 election approaching, the endorsement reflects a broader push for regional integration and development, positioning the Cushitic groups as key stakeholders in Kenya’s evolving political and economic landscape.