Mombasa tycoon and billionaire Hassan Said Boboo is now under intense scrutiny over the source of the billions allegedly financing a wave of massive property developments across Mombasa County, including prime areas such as Kizingo, Nyali and Tudor, amid claims linking powerful county officials and politically connected individuals to the controversial projects.
Sources within the business community allege that Boboo, alongside senior county executives including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and County Lands Executive Committee Member Hussein Mohamed alias “Amadoh,” are deeply involved in the ongoing construction of huge multi-storey buildings spread across strategic parts of the coastal city.
The developments, some reportedly located near highly sensitive government installations including State House Mombasa, have now triggered public concern, security questions, and growing pressure on investigative agencies to establish the true ownership and source of the funds behind the projects.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Mombasa County could have allegedly lost more than Sh15 billion through irregular dealings tied to the construction of the high-end buildings.
Investigations further indicate that several of the already completed structures are painted yellow and allegedly operate without clear signage, raising concerns among residents, professionals and stakeholders over transparency, approvals and compliance with construction regulations.
“We have reported to several agencies but nothing has been done yet. We highly suspect that it is county money that is being used. We even have video of the county boss Abdulswamad Nassir inspecting the building himself in Nyali opposite Nyali Basic along the busy Links Road,” claimed one Hindu businessman familiar with the matter.
The businessman further warned that the construction of such a massive high-rise structure near State House Mombasa could pose serious security concerns.
“How on earth can it be? Putting up such a structure is a threat. We highly suspect that the money is being used to wash money and also support terror groups,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the residence currently occupied by the county boss was allegedly constructed by the same network now under scrutiny.
The County Government of Mombasa is now facing mounting accusations of placing self-interest and personal enrichment ahead of the principles of the Constitution and devolution, even as residents continue grappling with poor drainage systems, impassable roads, poor leadership, uncollected garbage and deteriorating public services.
At the center of the storm is Hassan Bobo, popularly known as “Mr. Know It All,” who has emerged as a powerful and controversial figure allegedly linked to the rapid rise of high-end developments across the county.
What initially appeared to be ordinary construction projects has since evolved into a full-blown public controversy, with residents questioning how multiple luxury buildings could rise simultaneously across prime areas without attracting serious regulatory scrutiny.
Investigations conducted by our reporters indicate that several of the buildings under construction allegedly lack proper signage and are said not to have followed legally required approval procedures, raising fresh questions over accountability within the county government.
Insiders within the county administration further claim that County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohamed Hussein alias “Amadoh” plays a central role in overseeing the controversial developments.
Sources allege that Amadoh directly takes instructions from Governor Abdulswamad Nassir regarding 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,” alleged one insider.
Reports further indicate that Hassan Bobo has allegedly overseen the construction of nearly 15 high-end multi-storey buildings across affluent parts of Mombasa, including Kizingo, Tudor and Nyali, with estimates placing the cost of each building at between Sh300 million and Sh400 million.
About a week ago, a video now reportedly in possession of investigators allegedly captured Governor Abdulswamad Nassir personally inspecting one of the ongoing high-rise projects in Nyali, intensifying speculation surrounding the controversial developments.
Documents reportedly seen by investigators also indicate that Hassan Bobo has previously recorded statements with police concerning alleged links to suspected money laundering investigations.
Fresh questions are now emerging over the rapid expansion of Bobo’s wealth and construction empire.
Sources claim that in 2021, Bobo allegedly built only one house after securing a loan from Gulf Bank. The outspoken businessman, widely known as “Mr. Know It All,” had also allegedly been accused by a former associate of failing to repay borrowed money.
However, from 2021 to date, Bobo is now reportedly linked to nearly 15 luxury high-rise buildings spread across Mombasa County — a dramatic transformation 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, with residents now questioning how he allegedly transformed from a modest businessman into the face behind multi-billion-shilling developments within only a few years.
Residents of Kizingo have also repeatedly accused sections of the Mombasa judiciary of issuing court 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 controversy comes 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 approvals, corruption, compliance failures and safety standards within the county’s rapidly expanding construction sector.
