The family of the late Salim Abdalla Kuuza experienced a flood of emotions as they were handed the keys to a Sh6 million house constructed by EALA MP Hassan Omar. Kuuza, a close associate of Omar and the vice chairman of UDA, passed away on May 22 last year after a prolonged battle with throat cancer. Despite his health challenges, Kuuza contested the Bofu MCA seat in Likoni subcounty in 2022, against Omar’s advice, ultimately losing to ODM’s Juma Manuari.
In a poignant tribute, Omar shared how he endeavored to shield Kuuza, who, in turn, steadfastly supported him during his campaign for the Mombasa governor’s seat. The gesture was a testament to their deep bond and mutual respect. During the handover ceremony of the house to Kuuza’s family on Sunday, Omar expressed his heartfelt sentiments, reflecting on their journey together.
“Salim, for three or four years running, used to text me every morning wishing me well. He had my back no matter the circumstances,” he said.
“But as the cancer ate him from inside, the text messages began to reduce.”
Omar said Kuuza was the first person to call him when he lost the seat to Abdulswamad Nassir.
“Many people are not aware, but in 2017 when I vied for the governorship on a Wiper ticket, Salim convinced my elder Masoud Mwahima (late former Likoni MP) to support me despite being in TNA and he did,” he said.
“He was also the first person to call me after I lost the election to Hassan Joho. He told me to go to Jubilee before the dust settles and was categorical that I should work more with President William Ruto and not former President Uhuru Kenyatta.”
Omar officially joined Jubilee ahead of the repeat presidential election.
In his speech, he mentioned Ruto four or five times but did not mention Uhuru, raising eyebrows.
“It is then that Uhuru’s handlers noticed there was something cooking. Salim told me I would rather miss out on Uhuru’s cabinet but be in Ruto’s regime and that is when I started walking with the President,” he said.
The EALA MP said he was inspired by Kuuza’s courage and determination during his battle with cancer.
“All the while, I would see him with a yellow UDA scarf on his neck until one day, when I asked him, and he showed me a wound on his neck and told me what he was going through,” Omar said.
“I told him, ‘Rest, my friend. Cancer is not a joke. We will nominate you or give you a job. I am sure we will win’. But he refused and insisted that he will go all the way to the ballot and help me win the governor’s seat.”
In between treatment in Moshi, Tanzania, Kuuza won the Bofu ward UDA ticket and also became Mombasa UDA MCA Candidates Forum chairman.
“I asked UDA MCA candidates not to vote for him so that he could rest but they said they will grant him his wish,” Omar said.
“He was more determined to win than I was. I watched Salim fade away in the brutal hands of cancer but always optimistic that he will recover. I encouraged him to soldier on even though deep down, I knew he was dying.”
On the morning of May 22 last year, businessman and politician Ali Kitaka informed Hassan Omar of Salim Abdalla Kuuza’s passing. Omar, deeply moved by the news, requested the family to delay the burial until he could arrive. True to their agreement, Kuuza’s body remained until Omar’s arrival.
Reflecting on conversations he had with Kuuza in February or March of the same year, Omar sensed Kuuza’s awareness of the gravity of his illness and his limited chances of recovery. These discussions seemed like a verbal will, where Kuuza expressed his aspirations, successes, challenges, regrets, and concerns about family and societal matters.
In November of that year, Ali Kitaka, Mohamed Mwahima, and Sheikh Abu Qatada initiated the construction of the new house, which was completed earlier this month. Despite doubts from some quarters about Omar’s commitment to fulfilling his promise, Kitaka affirmed Omar’s sincerity, stating that some had even questioned the authenticity of the funds provided.
Kitaka also pledged assistance to one of Kuuza’s children, Khamis Kuuza, in finding employment, assuring him of ongoing efforts to secure his future. Additionally, two more benefactors have stepped forward to furnish several rooms in the 10-room house.
Emphasizing the collective responsibility to support orphans, Omar reiterated the importance of providing them with shelter and stability. He expressed gratitude for the contributions made towards this cause, underscoring the significance of such gestures in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children.
