Mombasa gubernatorial candidates Omar Hassan Omar, (Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya) and Suleiman Shahbal of the Jubilee party (R) during the gubernatorial debate at the Pride Inn Hotel, July 26, 2017. [Photo: Suleiman Shahbal]
The biting issue of uncollected garbage rocked the Mombasa gubernatorial debate, that saw only two candidates taking part.
Incumbent Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho, his rivals Hezron Awiti of the Vision Democratic Party (VDP) and KADDU Asili's Dan Muunga skipped last night's (Wednesday) debate that was attended by Suleiman Shahbal of the Jubilee party and Omar Hassan Omar, of the Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya.
The two participants sold their agenda during the debate, with Shahbal saying Mombasa used to be a model tourist city but had now been turned into an eye sore for residents and visitors who have been forced to keep up with the horrific sites of mountains of garbage and foul smell, terming the city as a dumpsite.
"The situation will however change and my promise to you is that i will end this problem within 100 days once you elect me to office. A clean and beautiful environment is paramount for all of us. That is why we must remain responsible by maintaining our environment."
Shahbal who is vying for the second time, said he will will improve the business environment in Mombasa to allow local businesses to grow and attract investors, hence creating more jobs.
"I have created employment for over 3,500 people in Kenya, brought investment of over 12 billion dollars into Kenya. I have the humility, competence and experience to turn Mombasa into a metropolis," said Shahbal.
On his part, Omar who is also the Wiper Party secretary general, said if elected, he would ensure corruption has no place in the coastal city, besides making sure sure that the garbage menace is resolved, for the county's development and good health for the people.
The debate was organised by the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (Kara), at Pride Inn Hotel.