Mombasa Senate race heats up as Deputy Governor Francis Thoya enters contest

Mombasa Senate race heats up as Deputy Governor Francis Thoya enters contest - Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya during the launch of the Public Service Week at the County Headquarters. (Farhiya Hussein)

The race has also attracted former Kenya Maritime Authority chairman Hamisi Mwaguya (UDA), journalist Charles Mghenyi (Jubilee), Mgeni Mboto Hassan (UDA), Bernard William, Victor Abayo, Ali Kubo, Ali Ganzala, among others.

Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya has declared his intention to contest the Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, joining a growing field of aspirants seeking to challenge incumbent Mohamed Faki.

Thoya confirmed his bid, dismissing reports that he was considering the seat as mere speculation. “It is no longer a rumour; it is a fact. In 2027, I will go for the Mombasa Senate seat,” Thoya said.

He said his decision to seek the Senate seat was not the result of a personal fallout with Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. “We have not fallen out. The governor remains a good friend of mine. The only thing is that our interests have differed,” he said.

Thoya previously served as the county executive committee member for environment before the governor reassigned the portfolio last year.

He said he had accepted the change and returned to his duties as deputy governor.

Vocal Africa executive director Hussein Khalid said he was still listening to public calls for him to enter the race.

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“I have also heard the rumours, and I have said that I will listen to the ground,” he said.

He said his immediate priorities remained the protection of human rights, improving the economy and creating better opportunities for young people.

“Some people are trying to push us, telling us that this is the time. But what is important at the moment is to look at how we can improve our economy, protect human rights and ensure that our young people have opportunities to improve their lives,” Hussein said.

The race has also attracted former Kenya Maritime Authority chairman Hamisi Mwaguya (UDA), journalist Charles Mghenyi (Jubilee), Mgeni Mboto Hassan (UDA), Bernard William, Victor Abayo, Ali Kubo, Ali Ganzala, among others.

The growing list points to a contest involving aspirants with different political backgrounds, although their final party tickets will become clearer as the election approaches.

Senator Faki of ODM, who won the seat in 2017 and retained it in 2022, is seeking another term. He has defended his record and challenged his opponents to present their development agendas rather than focus on his name.

With several names already associated with the Mombasa Senate race, attention is likely to turn to party nominations, political alliances and the candidates who eventually make formal declarations.

For now, Thoya has confirmed his intention to run; Mwaguya and other aspirants are being linked to the contest as Senator Faki faces potential competition for the seat he has held for two terms.