Mombasa Youth and Sports CeC Mohammed Abbas at a past event. He said he decided to vie for the post since the incumbent, Senator Hassan Omar, had failed the people of Mombasa.
Mombasa County Youth and Sports CeC Mohammed Abbas has relinquished his seat to focus on his senatorial bid.
Abbas becomes the first of the three CeCs in Mombasa to quit office and join politics ahead of the August general election.The other two county executives who have declared interest are Tendai Mtana (Education) and Hamisi Mwaguya (Trade).Speaking on Saturday in Majengo during his launch for the senator seat, Abbas said he decided to vie for the post since the incumbent, Senator Hassan Omar, had failed the people of Mombasa.He criticised Omar over his endless criticism of Governor Hassan Joho, saying the senator should work with the governor in a bid to improve the living standards of Mombasa residents.“A Senator’s role is to work hand in hand with a governor. But in Mombasa, we have seen a senator who is always criticizing the county leadership,” said Abbas, as quoted by The Star.He accused the National Government of sidelining the Coastal city, despite being the second county in revenue contribution. “We are the second best in revenue in revenue contribution but we only get Sh3.5 billion from the same government,” he said.He further vowed to advocate for more resources to support youth employment in the county.“As a senator, I will continue advocating for youth employment in this region by pushing for more resources,” he added.