Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa chapter chairperson Rukia Rashid lost the seat to his vice chairman Mohamed Ramadhan Mustafa during the chapter's election held yesterday.

Mustafa trounced the incumbent by 85 votes to 20 to be declared the winner during the election which was carried out by the KNCCI independent electoral board chairman Benjamin Onkoba.

The voting was done through the secret ballot.

A total of 105 votes were cast during the Mombasa chapter's annual general meeting cum elections ahead of national elections slated for next month.

In attendance was KNCCI deputy President James Mureu who said he is ready to face KNCCI Nairobi chairman Richard Ngatia.

Mureu and Ngatia will fight it out to succeed outgoing KNCCI president Kiprono Kittony who has served two terms since 2012. 

In his acceptance speech, Mustafa described his outgoing chairperson as a worthy opponent since he had served under her in her first tenure.

He refuted claims the chapter was divided before and after the election day despite differences in opinion. 

"There were differences in opinion which is healthy but the chamber is intact and stronger than before," he pointed out.

The newly elected Mombasa chapter boss assured county members he will honor his manifesto which he promised to adhere to during his election campaigns.

Mustafa said his manifesto was a contract between county members and himself prior to the election day.  

He told journalists he is optimistic he will deliver most of it before his first tenure ends in three years.  

"My first agenda will be to review the chamber data base to get in touch with current and former members to ensure I update their contact details," he pointed out.