Journalist and Nyali parliamentary aspirant Elkana Jacob has challenged politicians seeking elective positions in the 2027 General Election to return allegedly stolen public funds, repent and seek forgiveness from Kenyans before asking for their votes.
Jacob said political leadership should be anchored on accountability, integrity and respect for public resources, warning that some politicians could be seeking elective positions to shield themselves from accountability.
He is eyeing the Nyali parliamentary seat currently held by Mohamed Ali, who has expressed interest in contesting the Mombasa gubernatorial seat against incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir.
Speaking after attending a church service at Deliverance Church International in Bombolulu during its 17th anniversary celebrations, Jacob called on politicians with questions to answer over the management of public resources to come clean.
The service was presided over by Archbishop Dr James Opiyo Onyango.
“We must speak as a people. We are seeing several individuals seeking political positions to hide their heinous acts. We will name them when the time comes. They should repent, return stolen public funds and seek forgiveness before asking Kenyans for votes,” Jacob said.
His remarks were echoed by Abdallah Abdulrahman, alias Kiongozi, a security advocate from Kisimani, Bombolulu, who called for greater community involvement in addressing insecurity.
Abdulrahman said residents needed regular security sensitisation forums to educate them on the law, crime prevention and appropriate procedures for handling security-related matters.
He recalled an earlier initiative that brought together judges and other stakeholders to educate Mombasa residents on legal issues, saying such engagements had helped reduce crime.
“Things are getting out of hand. It is high time we came together as a community and addressed these challenges. We previously held a very important forum that brought several security agencies and stakeholders together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Onyango and the area pastor, Reverend Erick Otieno, urged Christians to exercise caution when electing leaders, saying those seeking public office should demonstrate moral values and respect for Biblical teachings.
Dr Onyango challenged believers to prioritise initiatives that promote community development and unity rather than divisive politics.
“We all know the power of God and how miraculously it works. We should invest in the power of God and not the power of politics. We must understand the difference and live in unity as Christians,” he said.
Reverend Otieno described the church as a symbol of unity and peace, urging congregants to respect human dignity and practise the values espoused in the Bible.
Jacob also urged Nyali residents to use the extended school holiday and festive season to acquire essential civil and identification documents, including birth certificates, National Identity Cards and voter registration cards.
He said his community office in Ziwa La Ng’ombe was exploring ways of bringing essential government services closer to residents while organising constructive activities for young people during the school holidays.
“Our children are now at home and we should engage them in activities that help shape their future. My community office at Ziwa La Ng’ombe is working on ways to ensure every Nyali resident can access a birth certificate, National ID and voter registration card. We must also distance ourselves from criminal activities,” he said.
Jacob’s remarks come amid continued calls by Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno for residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and avoid mixing politics with security matters.
Nuno has cautioned politicians against interfering with security operations, maintaining that insecurity undermines development and affects communities regardless of their political affiliations.
“Security is a very sensitive matter. We will go after criminals even if they hide in their bedrooms. Politicians should also assist us in ensuring peace is maintained across the Coast. No community can prosper where there is insecurity. We are all human beings and need proper security measures,” he said in previous remarks.
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