Mombasa Governor Abduslwamad Nassir was on Thursday sworn into office to succeed Governor Hassan Joho with a full in tray to deliver for Mombasa residents.

Justice George Dulu and Martha Mutuku the Mombasa High Court chief magistrate presided over the swearing-in ceremony at the Mama Ngina Water front. 

In his speech, Nassir said he will sign an executive order to waive levies on businesses to facilitate a good economy bounce back.

Nassir said he will work with the government to ensure that the port of Mombasa benefits the Mombasa people through sharing of revenue.

“I shall engage the national government through the legal structures to advocate for Mombasa county to get a fair share of port revenue in line with global services,” said Nassir during his speech.

He said his mission is to create jobs, revive the economy and deliver services to the people at their grassroots. Nassir also vowed to scrap land rate levies imposed on churches as part of his promise during the campaign pledges.

The immediate former governor pledged to support his successor as he takes over the leadership of the county. Nassir said he will seek the prioritization of implementation of the Dongo Kundu industrial part to create hundreds of jobs in Mombasa.

He also said he will rally the government to implement an open sky policy that will facilitate chartered flights landing directly in Mombasa with tourists. He also said the county will implement a comprehensive school bursary program to help the needy with fees.

“I further challenge the government to implement the single African air transport agreement known as open sky policy to allow flights from 320 foreign countries to land in Mombasa directly so that we can boost our tourism,” said Nassir.

Nassir, who like Joho, is taking over the leadership of the county from being an MP. He is taking over the leadership mantle with deputy governor Francis Thoya.

Nassir also swore to an integrity cord by the ethics and anticorruption commission EACC against corruption in the county government.

“We would like to ask all governors before paying any pending bills, to do an audit to establish the genuine bills, and those who will pay for an illegality will face the wrath of the commission,” said Eric Ngumbi EACC official.

The inauguration event cost Sh6 million according to the Assumption of Office Committee. The event was graced by Azimio principals Martha Karua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Speaking in Mombasa during the official swearing in ceremony of Mombasa governor elect Abdulswamand Nassir, NARK Kenya party leader Karua asked the leaders to work with the government but not blindly.

"Collaborate with the government that has grabbed power, but collaborate from a position of strength and not kneeling down," Karua urged Azimio elected leaders.

Karua said she still believes that Raila Odinga won the August 9 elections and  expressed her disappointment with how the Supreme Court handled their presidential petition saying she still reads mischief.

"We ask our people to stay united not to swing to the government, we ask you leaders to stay united,” said Karua asking Mombasa people to demand a stake of the port's shared revenue.

Karua said losing the election should not divide Azimio La Umoja one Kenya adding that she will still pursue her mission to the East Africa Court of justice to seek the truth from the Supreme Court.

"We are saying it’s not over until it’s over, we will be with you in every step, we will be active to protect the interests of the people.We know you voted for us, we ask you not to lose morale, because you have a county government,” said Karua.

The Nacr Kenya leader cautioned Mombasa residents against embracing a 'divide and rule' political strategy which she claimed will be brought to them.

On his part Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka reiterated that Azimio la Umoja still has the majority in the national assembly and elected governors and thus will stump their authority in keeping the government in check.

Kalonzo hinted that Azimio La umoja one Kenya will be holding a meeting with all elected members of Parliament and senators to chat the way forward.

"We are meeting in Mombasa with all members of parliament and senators to plan ahead, election is over and we have to organize ourselves,” said Kalonzo adding that they will steer opposition to keep government on check 

Musyoka said coastal people should not be duped by reverting of the port operations to Mombasa; instead they should push the government to expand port activities.

Kalonzo also asked for more funding of the judiciary by increasing it's budgets asking opposition MPs in parliament to up their game in keeping the government in check in the parliament.

"We are ready as Azimio La umoja to question the government because we have the majority, we have a voice, we are all part and parcel of a united Country,” said Kalonzo.

Outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho said he will not interfere with the Administration of incoming governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

"I will not interfere with the affairs of the country's government, I will not influence anything,1 have done what was supposed to be done, let me go and rest,” said Joho.

Joho said he has given his best in Mombasa leadership and his legacy speaks for itself. He expressed confidence that Nassir will offer preferred leadership.

Joho said a section of Mps from the other political divide have been trolling him for losing in the August 9 general election.

"We want the port operations to be back, because they announced it, they should honour that,"Joho said

.Joho says being in the opposition is not a death sentence. Joho said a UDA MP recently taunted him over the issue.

Other leaders who were present during the event present include outgoing Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and his deputy William Kingi, senators Mohammed Faki (Mombasa), Ledama Ole Kina (Narok), Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris, Mohammed Zamzam (Mombasa) and Fatuma Gedi of Wajir.

Nominated Jubilee MP Sabina Chege, Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Mohamed Soud Machele (Mvita), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe) and Mombasa county assembly speaker Harub Khatri were also present