NASA presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga in a past political rally. He risks losing his grip in Mombasa politics as complacence creeps in. [Photo/Raila Odinga]
With 580,223 votes up for grabs, Mombasa County is one of the few counties that hold key to State House with only 24 days to go.
Traditionally, the county has been receptive to opposition politics with Raila Odinga carrying the day in the past two elections. However, the narrative may change in 2017 as Jubilee is keen to swing the region in its favour.
Though he remains the most popular Presidential candidate in the county, Raila Odinga’s lackluster approach to the county’s politics may work against him and may prove costly in his quest for the country’s top seat.
Whereas Jubilee’s top leadership has made numerous trips into the county in vote-hunt mission, Raila’s last political rally in Mombasa was in March.
When the coalition had taken its campaigns to the Coast region in June, Mombasa was not covered.
Last week, the coalition’s top leadership again visited the region. However, Mombasa was again skipped with Kwale and Kilifi given a priority.
Raila is relying on Governor Joho and Senator Hassan Omar to deliver Mombasa votes to NASA.
However, that alone will not be enough as the former Prime Minister will have to go there in person and make his agenda known.
If not, Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto will penetrate the county and water down his influence.