Police FC secretary
general Chris Onguso, President William Ruto’s son George, Police FC technical
director Mbarak Bashatir and treasurer Malkhit Singh at Police Sacco Stadium on
Saturday / BRIAN OTIENO
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.