Former Baraka FM Editor Peter Kombe sets foot in politics

Mwanamwinga Ward, located in Kaloleni Sub County, Kilifi is where Kombe was born and raised. With more than 15 years in the media industry, he says his transition into politics is driven by a desire to address long-standing development gaps that he believes have held the community back.

Speaking to residents shortly after making his announcement, Kombe who currently writes for a digital news site, Jumuiya News said his experience documenting community challenges from the newsroom had motivated him to take a more active role in shaping solutions.

“I have been serving communities at a different level from the newsroom. I now want to serve them at a level where I will challenge the status quo and improve the lives of Mwanamwinga residents,” he said.

He added that elective positions are not a preserve of any special group, insisting that ordinary citizens have the right—and responsibility—to lead change where it is needed.

“For years, locals have been lamenting poor leadership, inadequate development, lack of clean and sufficient water, poor infrastructure and a struggling health sector. These issues require dedicated leaders who are ready to serve their people,” Kombe said.

He appealed to residents to back his bid, promising a people-centred, inclusive leadership style that reflects the aspirations of all communities in the ward. At the same time, Kombe urged especially the youth to register as voters ahead of 2027 and take an active role in choosing leaders who will deliver.

“We cannot keep lamenting about poor results yet we are in a position to change the situation through our votes. Let us exercise our democratic right and send irresponsible leaders home come August 2027,” he said.

Kombe, who has spent his career covering political, social and development stories, says it is time to “sit at the implementing table” rather than remain an observer. He also cautioned young people against engaging in political violence, warning that allowing themselves to be used by politicians could plunge the country into unnecessary chaos.

“Disrupting peace in the name of campaigning may lead us into anarchy. Let us safeguard our country’s peace jealously,” he said.

Kombe joins a rising wave of journalists seeking elective office ahead of 2027. Others include The Star Newspaper Coast Regional Bureau Chief Charles Mghenyi, who is vying for the Mombasa Senatorial seat; former Star reporter Elkana Jacob, eyeing the Nyali Parliamentary seat; Citizen TV Swahili News Anchor Lulu Hassan, who is contesting the Mvita seat; and journalist Mwanahamisi Hamadi, who has declared interest in unseating Likoni MP Mishi Mboko.