The County Government of Mombasa might have lost billions of shillings through self-interest and personal gains instead of upholding the principles of the Constitution and devolution. At the center of the controversy is Hassan Bobo, a close proxy of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who continues to construct high-end buildings without fear even as Mombasa struggles with poor drainage systems, impassable roads, poor leadership, uncollected garbage, and other deep-rooted challenges affecting residents.
What initially appeared to be ordinary construction projects has now sparked serious public concern and intense scrutiny over the rapid rise of high-end storey buildings across prime areas of Mombasa. Hassan Bobo, popularly known as “Mr. Know It All,” now finds himself at the center of the storm alongside senior county officials and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
Investigations conducted by our reporters indicate that several of the buildings under construction allegedly lack proper signage and are said not to have followed the legally required approval procedures, raising serious questions among residents, professionals, and stakeholders within the county government.
Insiders within the county administration now claim that several senior officers, including County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohamed Hussein, commonly known as “Amadoh,” are deeply linked to the ongoing developments. Sources allege that Amadoh is the key official allegedly taking direct instructions from Governor Abdulswamad Nassir concerning the projects, with claims emerging that the developments are privately connected to powerful individuals within the county administration.
“I work at the county. Whenever we ask questions concerning those high-end houses, we are told to call Amadoh. Those are their buildings and Abdulswamad is hiding behind Hassan Bobo,” claimed one insider.
According to reports, Hassan Bobo has allegedly overseen the construction of nearly 15 high-end storey buildings across affluent parts of Mombasa, including Kizingo, Tudor, and Nyali, with estimates placing the cost of each building between KSh 300 million and KSh 400 million.
About a week ago, a video now in our possession reportedly captured Governor Abdulswamad Nassir personally inspecting one of the ongoing high-rise projects in Nyali, further intensifying public speculation and suspicion surrounding the controversial developments.
Documents seen by our reporters also indicate that Hassan Bobo has previously recorded several statements with police regarding his alleged involvement in suspected money laundering investigations.
Serious questions are also emerging over the rapid growth of Bobo’s wealth and expanding construction empire. Reports indicate that in 2021, he allegedly built only one house after securing a loan from Gulf Bank. Sources further claim that the outspoken businessman, widely known as “Mr. Know It All,” had once been accused by a friend of failing to repay borrowed money.
From 2021 to date, however, Bobo is now reportedly linked to nearly 15 luxury high-rise buildings spread across Mombasa County, a dramatic rise that has left many residents demanding answers over the source of the massive financial muscle behind the projects.
Before the construction boom, Bobo was primarily known for operating a single car showroom in the Shimanzi area, leaving many residents questioning how he allegedly transformed from a modest businessman into the face behind multi-billion-shilling developments within such a short period.
Residents of Kizingo have also repeatedly accused sections of the Mombasa judiciary of issuing orders that allegedly pave the way for the construction of controversial high-end buildings within the area, despite growing concerns over legality, zoning regulations, and public safety.
The concerns come amid growing fears over building safety standards in Mombasa County. In 2025, the Kenya Defence Forces demolished an 11-storey building at Corner Kilifi in Mombasa County after the structure reportedly developed serious cracks, reigniting debate over compliance, approvals, corruption, and safety standards within the county’s booming construction sector.
