Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar Hassan has handed over a newly built house to the family of his deceased friend.
Here is his full emotional message
Over the last weekend, I handed over a house I built for the family of my late friend Salim Abdalla Kuuza to his family members. I have penned a few words to enumerate part of my motivation or the compelling consideration for undertaking the small project.
Very rarely in politics do you meet a political ally who becomes a brother and has your back not matter the circumstances or the consequences, in triumph and in loss, in conquest and in adversity.
One year ago, on 22 May 2023, I lost such a brother, Salim Abdalla Kuuza through the plague of cancer. A mentor to me in his own right, a friend, an advisor and a comrade who stood by me through the turbulent period of my political journey. A man I considered as family and he did likewise.
I watched Salim fade away through the brutal hands of cancer, always optimistic that he would recover. I encouraged him, though deep down I knew that he was probably at a point of no return.
Salim, despite my advice ran and emerged victorious in the @UDAKenya nominations and was our candidate for Bofu Ward in Likoni Constituency in the 2022 general elections. He then became the Chairman of the Mombasa UDA MCA Candidates Forum.
He braved through the electioneering period battling cancer and smiled off my constant plea to slow down or step down. Even an offer that I will then get our Presidential candidate William Ruto to consider him for something else wasn’t incentive enough insisting that he wanted to play a direct role in our victory and collectively secure the future of our society.
Sometime, in February/March 2023, following some conversations I had with Salim, it appeared to me that he was conscious of the severity of his illness and his reduced chances of surviving it.
The conversations seemed more of a verbal will, articulating his aspirations, his triumphs and tribulations, his regrets, his concerns, matters family, society among many other topical issues and other personal intimate issues.
What towered was the well-being of his children in his absence. He talked of a roof over their heads, their education and their general well-being. As I encouraged him that he will pull through the illness, I equally assured him, that for his sacrifices I will mobilise our friends to support his children and family should he not survive the illness or treatment. Salim was sceptical that politicians remember anyone when they are not around or beyond the lofty speeches of commitment during funerals. Or in circumstances when one loses an election.
I explained to Salim that my constant struggle was not to be a politician but that I am circumstantially in politics. That activism that is not backed by a realistic pursuit of power stifles our ability to radically impact on public policy and the peoples agenda.
That progressive individuals must look at politics as a necessary tool to meaningful impact on progressive public policy. That a few of us undertook to get into politics to try and do good no matter how muddy or unclean politics is or might be.
Upon Salim’s demise, I indicated to my wife of the conversations I had with Salim and his concerns about his young family. I told my wife that I will try and mobilise a few friends to rebuild Salim’s house for his children and family.
Recognising our close friendship, Salim’s sacrifices to our politics, an enduring sense of responsibility to meet some of Salim’s aspirations and address his concerns, my wife and I decided to build the house by ourselves and request for assistance only if we get stuck.
After the widow’s iddat period of four months, we began the construction of the house in November 2023. By God’s grace, we were able to complete the house in early May 2024.
