The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially appointed Shimanzi Ward MCA Priscilla Mumba as the new Majority Leader of the Mombasa County Assembly, replacing Likoni Ward MCA Athman Mwamwiri.
The announcement was confirmed by County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri on July 7, 2025, following a resolution passed by ODM members on July 3, 2025. According to the Speaker, the decision was based on internal party consultations and performance reviews, marking a significant leadership shake-up in Mombasa’s political landscape.
Mumba’s appointment comes after intense criticism of her predecessor’s stance on the Mombasa County Ward Equitable Development Bill, 2024. She accused Mwamwiri of deliberately blocking the bill, which would have ensured equitable allocation of development funds to all wards in Mombasa.
“The failure to pass the Ward Development Fund was a betrayal to the people we serve,” Mumba stated. “Leaders are elected to fight for their wards’ growth, not to hinder progress.”
Several MCAs echoed Mumba’s sentiments. Freretown MCA Mariam Baimu expressed dissatisfaction with Mwamwiri’s management of Assembly business, while Junda MCA Silvester Kai of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) also criticized him for obstructing the Ward Development Fund Bill.
Changamwe Ward MCA Bernard Ogutu delivered a stern warning to leaders, stating:
“This position is not a birthright. It is a responsibility. If you work against the will of the people, you will be removed. This change should be a lesson to leaders with inflated egos.”
Other ODM-nominated MCAs also supported the leadership change. Milka Areba claimed that some MCAs were discussing critical Assembly matters in informal settings like weddings and funerals, behaviour she said was unacceptable. Pamela Ojala added that Mwamwiri’s removal was long overdue due to poor performance and his refusal to support vital legislation.
With the appointment of Priscilla Mumba, ODM aims to restore unity within the Mombasa County Assembly and fast-track the passing of crucial development bills that directly impact residents. Political analysts suggest this move could also strengthen ODM’s influence in Mombasa ahead of the 2027 general elections.
