Governor Abdulswamad Nassir's bid for a second term in Mombasa is facing a growing challenge as a number of seasoned politicians prepare to battle for the county's top seat in 2027.
The race is taking shape against the backdrop of talks between ODM and President William Ruto's UDA, with possible political cooperation and zoning likely to have a bearing on who eventually remains in the contest.
Nassir is seeking to retain the seat he won in 2022 after defeating UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar. The governor received 119,083 votes, while Omar garnered 98,105.
Omar is again positioning himself for the seat and has rejected the idea of zoning that could require him to step aside. He has argued that Mombasa residents should have the final say on who leads the county.
The UDA official has maintained a visible presence in Mombasa and is using his experience as a former senator, EALA member and national party official to build support.
He has also attacked the county administration and called for new leadership, setting the stage for another contest with Nassir.
Nassir, meanwhile, is taking his campaign to residents with a focus on what his administration says it has achieved since taking office.
He has pointed to investments in healthcare, education and infrastructure, including Mjambere and Bofu hospitals, as well as assistance provided to pupils in public schools.
The governor has also backed cooperation between ODM and UDA, saying Coast leaders can achieve more by bringing their political strengths together instead of engaging in divisive competition.
He has urged voters to assess leaders through their records and what they have delivered.
The growing field extends beyond the two politicians who faced each other in 2022.
Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Jicho Pevu, has obtained the Wiper Patriotic Front ticket and has the backing of party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Ali is campaigning on his record in Nyali, where he highlights projects and efforts involving roads, schools, street lighting, security and education.
His message is also centred on comparing what candidates have done in public office rather than making the election about personalities.
Businessman and EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal is also preparing for another shot at the governor's position.
Shahbal pulled out of the 2022 contest after talks with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and former ODM leader Raila Odinga. He has since indicated that he will not repeat that move and intends to remain in the race this time.
"I will vie in a party that upholds democratic principles. Mombasa needs transformation, and 1 am ready to offer that leadership" he said.
Shahbal has made economic transformation, employment and improved public services central to his campaign. He has also focused on youth unemployment and drug abuse, while proposing Sh50 million every year for each ward to finance development programmes.
He has not announced the party he will use to contest the election, saying he is following the changing political alliances before making his decision.
Former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo is another politician seeking the seat. His 2022 bid was affected after Wiper awarded its ticket to former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko, who was later blocked from contesting after his impeachment.
Mbogo is now associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and Jubilee Party. He has criticised the county government over service delivery as he seeks to mount another campaign for the governorship.
Former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti is also being mentioned as a possible candidate, adding to an already busy field.
The contest is different from the 2022 race for Nassir, who now has the benefit of incumbency and an established ODM political network.
However, his potential opponents have their own support bases and links to national political formations, making the coming contest less straightforward.
Healthcare, jobs, education, sanitation, land, infrastructure and county service delivery are expected to feature prominently as the campaigns take shape.
Much will depend on whether the politicians maintain separate campaigns or whether negotiations between political parties result in some of them joining forces.
The position of former governor Hassan Joho will also attract attention. Joho, who now serves as Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, remains an important figure in Coast politics and could influence ODM's plans as the party prepares for the next election.
With political parties still discussing possible cooperation and candidates yet to fully settle their positions, Mombasa is heading towards a competitive governor contest that could determine whether ODM extends its three-term control of the seat or faces a coordinated challenge from its rivals.