Citizen TV Swahili news anchor Lulu Hassan has found herself at the centre of fresh political speculation after attending a high-profile meeting hosted by President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa.
The journalist’s appearance at the Thursday, November 12, 2026, gathering has reignited discussions about her possible entry into elective politics, with growing attention on the Mvita parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Lulu was among several prominent political figures and leaders who attended the meeting, where President Ruto engaged leaders associated with the broad-based government.
Other personalities present included Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa.
However, it was Lulu’s presence and participation at the gathering that attracted particular attention, especially given the speculation surrounding her political ambitions in Mombasa.
The veteran journalist has increasingly been linked to the Mvita parliamentary race, with reports suggesting that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could be considering her as its preferred candidate for the constituency.
Although neither Lulu nor the ruling party has officially confirmed the reports, her latest appearance alongside Ruto has added another layer to the ongoing political conversation.
Speculation about Lulu’s possible political career is not entirely new.
In May 2025, photographs of T-shirts and reflector jackets bearing the slogan ‘Lulu Hassan, Mama Mvita’ circulated on social media, prompting discussions about whether she was preparing to transition from journalism into politics.
The branded merchandise, coupled with reports of her engagements with community groups in Mombasa, fuelled suggestions that she could be laying the groundwork for a parliamentary bid.
Her community activities have also been associated with the Lulu ya Jamii Foundation, through which she has supported initiatives targeting different groups, including young people and women.
If she eventually declares her candidacy, Lulu could face a competitive contest against the current Mvita MP, Mohamed Soud Machele, who is associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Mvita is among the constituencies in Mombasa County expected to attract considerable political attention as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The possibility of a popular television personality entering the race could also introduce a different dynamic, particularly given Lulu’s longstanding public profile and familiarity with audiences across the country.
Interestingly, the rumours surrounding Lulu’s political future have previously been accompanied by misleading social media claims.
In October 2026, Africa Check established that an image purportedly showing her wearing a UDA-branded cap had been altered.
The fact-checking organisation found no public confirmation that she had joined the ruling party, cautioning against treating manipulated photographs as evidence of political affiliation.
Lulu had also previously dismissed claims about her political ambitions after an alleged campaign billboard bearing her image circulated online in November 2025.
Her latest State House appearance therefore comes at a time when Kenyans are increasingly watching the movements of public figures believed to be considering political careers.
She is also not the only Royal Media Services personality whose name has been linked to the 2027 political contest.
Former Citizen TV reporter John Wanyama resigned from the media organisation to pursue the Malava parliamentary seat.
Political journalist Trevor Ombija has been linked to the Nyakach parliamentary race, while Stephen Letoo has been associated with the Kilgoris seat.
Other media personalities reportedly considering political careers include Citizen Radio’s Tina Ogal, who has been linked to Embakasi East, and former television presenter Willis Raburu, who is pursuing the Kisumu senatorial seat.
The increasing interest among journalists in elective politics has also attracted the attention of the Media Council of Kenya.
The council has been working on guidelines addressing journalists who intend to pursue political office, including the need to separate active media duties from political ambitions to protect professional independence and fairness in election coverage.
For now, Lulu Hassan’s appearance at State House has left Kenyans with more questions about her political future.
Whether she will eventually abandon the newsroom for the campaign trail and formally declare interest in representing Mvita remains to be seen.
However, with the 2027 General Election approaching, her name is increasingly becoming part of the political conversation in Mombasa.
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