Governor Abdulswamad Appoints Raila’s Former Bodyguard Ogeta, Creative Expert Ambani as Advisors

By Feddy Madebe

MOMBASA, KENYA — Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir has announced key appointments to his executive office following the establishment of advisory positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board in accordance with statutory requirements.

The governor confirmed Thursday that Maurice Ogeta has been designated as Advisor on Security Affairs for the County Government of Mombasa, citing his extensive professional background and institutional expertise accumulated across local, regional, and international levels.

Experienced Security Advisor Named

Governor Nassir highlighted Ogeta’s credentials, noting his previous service to the late Raila Odinga, the founding leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, as evidence of his capability to handle the security advisory portfolio.

“Mr. Maurice Ogeta has been appointed to serve as Advisor, Security Affairs in the County Government of Mombasa. This appointment is informed by his many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge built at local, regional and global levels, including his service to our late Founding Party Leader, H.E. Raila Odinga, C.G.H.,” the governor stated in his announcement.

The security affairs position carries responsibility for advising the county administration on matters relating to public safety, security coordination, and related strategic initiatives within Mombasa’s jurisdiction.

Creative Industry Advisor Appointed

In a parallel appointment, Governor Abdulswamad named Ken Ambani as Advisor on Creative Arts, signaling the county government’s commitment to developing Mombasa’s cultural and entertainment sectors.

The governor emphasized that Ambani’s practical experience and sector knowledge would prove valuable as the administration pursues initiatives aimed at revitalizing the county’s creative economy.

“I have also appointed Ken Ambani as my Advisor on Creative Arts. His wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in the sector will be instrumental as we work to revive and grow the creative industry in Mombasa for the benefit of our artists, youth and the wider economy,” Nassir explained.

Strategic County Development Focus

The appointments reflect the governor’s strategic priorities for Mombasa County, addressing both security concerns and economic diversification through creative industry development.

Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and primary coastal hub, hosts significant tourism infrastructure and serves as a major port facility, necessitating robust security coordination mechanisms.

The creative arts sector represents an emerging economic opportunity for the county, with potential to generate employment for youth while preserving and promoting coastal cultural heritage.

Both appointments were processed through the Mombasa County Public Service Board, the constitutional body responsible for human resource management within the county government structure, ensuring compliance with public service regulations governing advisory positions.

The positions join the governor’s executive office structure, which provides specialized expertise across various thematic areas to support policy formulation and implementation at the county level.

Governor Abdulswamad’s administration has emphasized inclusive economic growth and enhanced service delivery since assuming office, with these latest appointments reinforcing his commitment to strengthening institutional capacity within county government operations.

The advisors will operate within the Office of the Governor, providing counsel on matters falling within their respective portfolios while supporting the county’s broader development agenda.