Hassan Omar Hassan Sarai is probably one of the most famous politicians in Kenya today. He attracts love and hatred in equal measure.
From humble beginnings to represent Mombasa County in the Senate is probably something that the 40 year old never anticipated during his early days in Kibokoni, a neighborhood in Mombasa's Old Town.
Born in 1975 as the only child in the family, the young Hassan Omar grew up loving football and he played for Brazil junior team as a goalkeeper before joining Mombasa Primary School after which he joined the prestigious Lenana High School in 1990.
He would later enroll for Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree at Moi University where he found himself active in students politics.
Consequently, he was elected as the chairman of Moi University Students Organization. However, the seat came at a cost as he was expelled from the university in 1999.
Doors did open for him in 2003 when he was readmitted to the university courtesy of an order by President Mwai Kibaki that all university students who had been expelled from universities be readmitted. He eventually graduated in 2004.
While in university, Hassan Omar held different leadership positions including the Kenya National Students Union where he served as the chairman and the Council for University Students of East Africa where he served as the chairman.
Currently serving as the Senator of Mombasa, Omar made his name during his time at the Kenya Commission of Human Rights where he served as the Vice Chairman. He proved himself as the fearless and consistent defender of human rights.
In Parliament, his impact has been felt. He is the sponsor of Preservation of Human Rights and enforcement of Economic and Social Rights Bill in 2015.
Apart from that, he serves as a member-Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. He is also a member of the Sessional Committee on Devolved Governments.
He also serves as the Secretary of the Coast Senate Group.
He is also the Secretary General for the Wiper Democratic Movement party, an affiliate member of the Cord coalition.
But what else don't you know about him?
Renowned scholar, the late Prof.Ali Mazrui is his uncle.
He is married to Ali Osman Mahamud who is a lawyer
He once served the military as Air-force Cadet Officer between 1994-95
He is the first Kenyan to be appointed as a commissioner to a Constitutional commission. He was only 31 when he was appointed by President Kibaki to be a Commissioner with the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights in 2007.
He has spoken 782 times in Parliament.
He received training on Governance and Democracy from the Less Aspin Center of Government, Washington DC, USA.
The ambitious senator recently declared his interest to vie for the Gubernatorial seat in Mombasa where he is tipped to be Governor Joho's headache.