UPDATE 11:25 President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, August 25, sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of former Likoni MP Masoud Mwahima.
In his message, the president stated that Mwahima would be remembered as an elder statesman, witty leader and astute grassroots mobiliser.
"Mzee Mwahima was an approachable, witty and, visionary elder and leader who offered wise counsel and outstanding service to the people of Mombasa especially his Likoni Constituency for decades," the President eulogised.
On his part, Deputy President William Ruto acknowledged that the country had lost a smart and formidable politician who was always a firm defender of his people’s and the national interest.
"Mwahima served the people of Mombasa, and in particular, Likoni, with sustained commitment, passion and integrity," he stated.
Former Likoni MP Masoud Mwahima is dead.
Mwahimu died on Monday night, August 24, at around 11 p.m. at his home in Vyemani, Likoni sub-county, Mombasa.
The legislator's family disclosed that he died of asthma-related complications.
Mwahimu, who also served as the Mayor of Mombasa had received treatment at St Thomas Hospital on Sunday.
"He was okay when we brought him back. However, today night when we were seated outside our home, there was a long silence and we went to check on him, only to find him dead," his son told Daily Nation.
The former Likoni legislator lost the 2017 election to the incumbent MP Mishi Mboko, in a disputed poll.
Mwahima filed a petition challenging her win, arguing that the election was not free and credible.
However, in March 2018, the High Court in Mombasa upheld Mboko's election.
Judge Erick Ogola acknowledged that there were minor irregularities but the same could not affect the outcome of the elections.
The judge explained that when 10 of the polling stations had a recount, Mboko's votes decreased by 7 while Mwahima's only increased by a vote.
"These officers worked for more than 24 hours without sleep and it is possible for someone to make such mistakes due to fatigue," he stated.
Mwahimu's death came weeks after former Changamwe MP Ramadhan Kajembe's death.
