Bashatir positioning himself for Kisauni MP seat

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Mombasa businessman-cum-politician Mbarak Bashatir is increasingly positioning himself as a national figure with close ties to key power centres, a move widely viewed as part of a strategy to strengthen his bid for the Kisauni parliamentary seat.

Bashatir, who also serves as the technical director of Kenya Premier League side Police FC, has in recent weeks intensified his engagement on the national political stage.

On December 19, the businessman formally joined UDA, ending months of speculation over his political alignment.

Prior to this, Bashatir had sent mixed signals, maintaining close relations with both ODM and UDA leaders at the Coast and national levels.

Since officially pitching camp in UDA, Bashatir has stepped up his political and social activities. On Saturday, he hosted President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, at the Police Sacco Stadium during a Police FC training session.

George, one of the most recognisable of the President’s children, is known more for his presence in social circles than active politics.

However, his public association with Bashatir has attracted attention, offering what political observers describe as powerful optics in a highly competitive political environment.

“For politicians, such moments create a perception of proximity to the country’s power elite. It sends strong political signals,” said Mombasa-based political analyst Mwakuja Mrombo.

Mrombo noted that hosting George underscores Bashatir’s growing association with top leadership, but cautioned that Kisauni’s vast size and dense population demand more than symbolic gestures.

“Kisauni is a constituency where voters expect tangible results. Photographs with powerful figures alone will not win votes,” he said.

During Saturday’s engagement, Bashatir was accompanied by George, Police FC treasurer Malkit Singh and secretary general Chris Oguso as the team conducted its training drills.

Bashatir has also been warming up to UDA secretary general Hassan Omar, whose expanding influence has made him a central figure in national politics.

“I will restore the dignity and respect of Kisauni, which has been lost for a long time,” Bashatir said on Monday.

He cited poor road infrastructure, insecurity, theft and the harassment of women as some of the pressing challenges facing residents.

“This situation is unacceptable in a dignified society,” he said.

However, incumbent Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba has also intensified development activities in what many see as a strategy to consolidate his political base.

On December 23, Bedzimba launched the Shanzu Senior School, a project built from scratch through the Kisauni National Government Constituencies Development Fund.

Speaking during the launch, which was officiated by Education CS Julius Ogamba, Bedzimba announced plans to launch Kadzonzo Primary School and construct another primary school at Mabanda ya Ng’ombe, where pupils currently learn in poor conditions.

“We want all our children to learn in conducive environments that allow maximum concentration. Education is the key to success,” Bedzimba said, adding that groundwork for Kiembeni Primary School would begin within weeks.

Shanzu MCA Allen Katana, popularly known as 1GB, has also declared interest in the Kisauni MP seat, alongside Jubilee deputy party leader Beatrice Gambo.

Within UDA, Bashatir is expected to face stiff competition from Mbarak Hamid and Shafi Mwaka.