Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir was overwhelmed with emotions as he attended the burial of one of his four employees who perished in a grisly road accident on Saturday evening.

The MP could not hold back his tears as he laid to rest Mr Ali Naaman, a trusted close confidant who served him for more than 10 years when he joined politics.

Filled with emotions with tears rolling down his cheeks, the MP's aides had to escort him back to his car as he couldn't speak or even address the media after the burial.

Mr. Naaman is one of the four people attached to the MP's office who perished in a road accident after the car they were travelling in rolled following a tyre burst between Koreni and Milihoi along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road on Saturday evening.

Others who perished in the accident include Ellison Musyoka, Carol Wayua Mueni and Athman Mohamed.

Musyoka and Athman were laid to rest at the Kikowani Muslim Cemetery after dhuhur prayers according to Muslim customs with funeral angements for Carol currently underway.

The four were set to join another team which arrived in Lamu County earlier for ODM leader Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja rally in Mkunguni Square.

The burial ceremony brought together a host of Mombasa politicians including Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, senator Mohammed Faki, businessman Suleiman Shahbal, former senator Hassan Omar, former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti, Nyali MP aspirant Said 'Saido' Abdalla among others.

Jomvu MP who spoke on behalf of Mombasa Mps and Governor Hassan Joho, condole with the families of the four describing the moment as a sad one not only to Nassir's team but Mombasa at large.

"This is a big loss to the county, the four died in line of duty while serving the MP, also receive greetings from governor Joho who is currently in Norway, he sends his condolences to Nassir and the berieved families," said Badi

Mombasa senator Mohammed Faki also sent his condolences to the families describing the four as people who dedicated their lives to serving the people of Mombasa.

"They had dedicated themselves to serve the people of Mombasa in their different capacities, we pray that Allah pardons their mistakes and gives them eternal rest," said Faki.

Suleiman Shahbal who is also eying the Mombasa Governor seat on an ODM ticket, cancelled his planned political activities on Sunday to join Nassir and team in mourning the four.

Shahbal called on Mombasa people to view this incident as a lesson not to put hatred in politics as all politicians from different political factions were present to stand in solidarity with the MP.

"Yes I cancelled all my political activities today to come join my brother Nassir in mourning, this is a big grief that has affected the people of Mombasa. I humbly appeal to Mombasa people not to hate each other because of politics, as you can see we are all here together despite our political differences," said Shahbal.

In a rare show of solidarity, Mombasa businessman and gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has cancelled all his political meetings that were scheduled for today (Sunday) to mourn four employees of his main political rival . Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir.

The four Ali Namaan, Elson Musyoka, Athuman Mohammed and Carol Mueni died in a road accident on Saturday evening in Lamu.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/people/item/2537-mp-nassir-loses-four-staff-in-road-accident

"We have canceled all our political activities that were scheduled for today in Tudor, Mvita Sub County. This is to allow us to mourn with the family and friends of Abdulswamad Nassir’s team members who perished in the Lamu accident." said Shahbal.

Three of the four, Ali Namaan, Elson Musyoka, Athuman Mohammed will be laid to rest today after the afternoon (Dhuhr) prayers, according to muslim traditions

Meanwhile several politicians from the county led by Governor Hassan Joho have  come out to send their message of condolences following the deaths.

"It is with deep sorrow that I receive the news of the tragic road accident that has led to the death of four members of Hon. Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir's team, Mr. Ali Omar Naaman, Ms. Carol Wayua Mueni, Mr. Athman Mohammed Omar and Mr. Elyson Musyoka. I extend my profound condolences and heartfelt sympathies to their families and Hon. Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir for this devastating loss. " posted Joho.

On his part, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki eulogised the four as hardworking and committed Kenyans.

"I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the departed and to my Brother and Colleague Hon Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and to the people of Mombasa generally." said Faki.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib posted "On behalf of my family and Jomvu constituency I wish to express our heartfelt condolences and symphaties to Hon Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Mvita constituency Office for the untimely loss of four of their office staffs through a fatal road accident that happened today at Mpeketoni,Lamu County."

Mombasa county Women Representative Asha Mohammed termed the deeaths as huge loss to Nassir's team and the families of the departed.

"To Hon Abdulswamad Shariff and team nasema poleni sana. Mungu awalaze pema panapolazwa wema. My condolences" posted Nyali Mp Mohammed Ali.

Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar who is also eyeing the gubernatorial seat posted "Our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and Mvita MP Hon. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir following the passing on of his team members through a road accident. May the Almighty bless their souls, place them in heaven and give their families courage to bear this great loss."

Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir is mourning the loss of four employees who died in a road accident in Lamu on Saturday.

The four were part of Nassir's team heading to Lamu for ODM leader Raila Odinga's rally set for Sunday.

http://ommydalla.co.ke/politics/item/2535-raila-returns-to-coast-weeks-after-ruto-s-tour

They died after the tyre of the car they were traveling in burst and rolled near Mpeketoni

The four include Nassir's long serving employee and adviser Ali Namaan, Elson Musyoka  (Driver), Athuman Mohammed and Carol Mueni from the media team.

More to follow...

ODM leader Raila Odinga returns to the Coast region to woo residents to back his 2022 presidential bid.

Raila arrived in Mombasa on Saturday and was received by Mvita Mp Abdulswamad Nassir, he also held a brief meeting with party officials led by the ODM Mombasa chairman Mohammed Khamis Dhee.

On Sunday, Raila is expected to visit Lamu for a series of rallies in Mpeketoni, Mkunguni and Witu.

He is also expected to visit Malindi, Kilifi and Mtwapa on Monday before heading to Mombasa, Kwale and Lunga Lunga on Tuesday.

"Coast region remains our (ODM) stronghold. We will be having a major rally at caltex grounds in Likoni on Tuesday" said a source on condition of anonymity.

Raila's visit comes just weeks after Deputy President visited the region few weeks ago.

Ruto held rallies in Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Mombasa.

Mombasa businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal has asked leaders to shun divisive politics that may cause violence ahead of 2022 polls.

Shahbal said there is an urgent need to embrace mature politics and insisted the country is bigger than any individual.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of officials of the Boda Boda safety association of Kenya [BAK] Mombasa chapter held at the famous Tononoka playing ground, Shahbal cautioned the electorate not to allow anyone to divide them and cause chaos and skirmishes before and after the polls.

“Let us respect others' opinions, do not insult someone just because you don't agree with them. Mayhem has no place in the current political dispensation,” he pointed out.

Shahbal who is set to make his third attempt at the county gubernatorial position to succeed incumbent Hassan Ali Joho challenged the electorate to learn to tolerate each other before and after the 2022 general elections.

He condemned the violence which marred Deputy President William Ruto’s campaign tour in Kisumu county.

His sentiments were echoed by Mvita sub county police commander Joseph Ongaya who said the police are ready to face anyone causing violence and disturbing peace.

The law enforcement officers are ready to face and deal with those who break the law ahead of next year’s polls,” he pointed out.

He also warned the association members not to be used by politicians to cause chaos before and after the 2022 polls.

Regional low-cost carrier Jambojet has announced the introduction of In-flight Entertainment (IFE) service for their passengers.

The IFE service, in partnership with Global Onboard Partners, enables customers to access content stored on the IFE box through their mobile and other electronic devices like laptops via a wireless network only available in the aircraft.

“Passengers spend an average one hour on the flight. The in-flight entertainment system will feature Jambojet Destination Explorer and also have videos, games, and reading material to keep them entertained, informed and engaged during the flight,” said Karanja Ndegwa, Managing Director and CEO, Jambojet.

“The in-flight entertainment service also offers an opportunity for corporates and other potential advertisers to promote their goods and services on the platform through video or static image placement,” he added.

With exclusive offers, rewards, and dynamic maps to help passengers find the best places to stay, food to eat and attractions to visit, passengers can use Jambojet Destination Explorer to make the most out of their travel experience and see the best of each incredible destination in Jambojet’s network. 

About the new partnership, Global Onboard Partners CEO Kirk Adams says, “Today, we warmly welcome Jambojet as our latest airline partner.  Jambojet is an innovative, forward thinking and a digitally focused airline that flies to some of the most popular destinations in Kenya.” 

Mr Adams continued, “Our innovative platform has been designed to provide a win-win for everyone through the delivery of destination experiences and special offers to passengers, through important new revenue streams to airlines and at the same time, providing greater access to tourism and hospitality partners to participate at affordable prices and receive direct contact with passengers.”

Jambojet currently flies to seven local destinations namely Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Lamu and Ukunda (Diani) from its hub in Nairobi. The airline also flies to Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The National Police Service (NPS) has released a statement on violence during the Deputy President William Ruto's tour to Kondele, Kisumu.

In the statement signed by police spokesperson Bruno Isohi, police had earlier warned Ruto against visiting the area after receiving intelligence report of tension in the area.

"Based on inteligence gathered, there was tension within Kondele owing to alledged distribution of campaign logistical funds amongst local groups." says the statement.

Adding " This inteligence was promptly shared by police with H.E Depurt President's team with reccomendation to skip the affected area during the tour".

According to the police, the violence was between the agitated groups who engaged in stone throwing and other unruly behaviour.

During the violence police engaged the youth in running battles, with teargas hurled to disperse the crowd. Some of the youth were chanting pro-ODM leader Raila Odinga slogans.

Some youth pelted his convoy with stones.

Through his twitter handle, Deputy President William Ruto castigated leaders and political groupings that use violence to advance their selfish cause after his rally in Kondele was disrupted and his motorcade pelted with stones, forcing police officers to lob tear-gas at the rowdy crowd. 

"The Hustler Nation disassociates with leaders and political groupings that use violence to advance their selfish cause." the Dp tweeted.

Adding "Our plans and programmes will ensure that the youth are liberated from regressive stone-throwing culture by engaging them in gainful activities that will better their lives through the Bottom-Up Economic Model,"