Journalists from across Mombasa County gathered in a show of unity and solidarity to celebrate and honour veteran Kenya News Agency (KNA) boss Mohamed Hassan following his retirement after an illustrious 38-year career in the media industry.
The colourful event attracted dozens of journalists, media stakeholders, leaders and friends who paid glowing tribute to Hassan’s dedication, professionalism and immense contribution to journalism in the Coast region and the country at large.
However, beyond celebrating Hassan’s remarkable journey, the event also turned into a major political moment as journalists openly endorsed some of their own colleagues seeking elective seats ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The media fraternity threw its weight behind several aspiring politicians drawn from the journalism industry, signalling the growing influence of media personalities in Mombasa politics as the election season slowly gathers momentum.
Among those endorsed were senatorial aspirant Charles Mghenyi, renowned media personality Lulu Hassan, Nyali parliamentary aspirant Elkana Jacob and Mwanahamisi Hamadi.
The celebration was graced by prominent leaders including businessman Abubakar Joho, Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, Mombasa Deputy County Commissioner Kalume Kashuru, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and County Executive Committee Member for Blue Economy, Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives Ibrahim Khamis, popularly known as Baba Ngida.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor Francis Thoya encouraged journalists eyeing political positions to remain strategic and take advantage of opportunities available to them.
“I call upon the aspirants in this house who are journalists to be very calculative and take advantage of the opportunities before them,” said Thoya.
Businessman Abubakar Joho urged the aspiring leaders to cultivate strong relationships and build networks capable of supporting their political ambitions and leadership journeys.
“When you get into positions of leadership, make friends and not enemies,” Joho advised.
The retiring veteran journalist thanked the media fraternity for the unwavering support he received throughout his career and during his retirement celebration.
“I do not take this for granted. I thank all of you for standing with me. This is a major milestone in my life and career,” said Hassan.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib called on leaders and members of the public to remain vigilant in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, warning that the vice continues to destroy the future of many young people.
He also conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the Gilgil Girls tragedy where at least 16 students lost their lives.
Coast Coordinator of the Media Council of Kenya, Maureen Mudi, commended Hassan for his remarkable service, noting that surviving and excelling in journalism for 38 years was no small achievement.
She challenged the retired journalist to continue contributing to the growth of the profession through mentorship programmes and collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya.
“You have retired, but you are not tired. Share your vast experience and knowledge to help grow the industry and inspire the next generation of journalists,” she said.
Mudi noted that such exemplary service reflects patience, dedication and commitment, adding that Hassan’s grand send-off was evidence of the lasting impact he had made in the media industry.
“Mentorship begins at an early stage. Being celebrated in this manner means Mohamed Hassan has left a mark in the media industry. We should all reflect on the legacies we will leave behind,” she added.
This comes as Media Council of Kenya (MCK) formally welcomes and encourages
journalists, editors, and media practitioners to contest in elective politics in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
MCK believes that in the same way the legislative and executive arms of governance benefit from the diverse expertise from professionals from other sectors including law, engineering, and medicine, national leadership thrives on multi-sectoral representation.
READ ALSO;