By Samson Wire
Whispers in Nairobi’s political backrooms are growing louder: Air Base MCA Mohammed Hussein Fuad, popularly known as “ground in touch,” may be preparing for a bigger political role beyond the County Assembly.
Representing the strategically located Air Base Ward, which borders the highly secured Moi Airbase Barracks, Hon. Fuad presides over one of Nairobi’s most dynamic and fast-growing political constituencies. The ward, largely within the industrious Somali settlement and an upcoming commercial hub, is emerging as a magnet for business, logistics, and real estate opportunities—making its political leadership increasingly consequential.
Elected in the 2022 General Election on an ODM ticket, Fuad pulled off an emphatic victory, defeating 17 aspirants and securing the highest number of votes from a registered voter population of approximately 17,000. Since then, his stock has only risen.
Unlike many of his peers, Hon. Fuad is known for a low-profile, non-combative style, preferring quiet negotiations and behind-the-scenes tactics to political theatrics. Party operatives describe him as a calculative tactician, a scorched-earth organiser whose methodical approach has endeared him to ODM supporters and the influential Somali business community in Air Base and Eastleigh.
Political analysts note that, on the ground, Fuad currently faces no serious challenger, a rare feat in Nairobi’s cut-throat ward politics.
Hailing from a politically seasoned background in Mandera County, Fuad has successfully balanced his dual constituencies—defending the interests of residents in Eastleigh while maintaining strong ties with his native Mandera base. His vocal stance on bad governance, coupled with active participation in good governance initiatives, has earned him praise across political divides.
Despite being an ardent ODM loyalist, Fuad has also demonstrated an ability to work seamlessly within a UDA-dominated national political environment, further fueling speculation that he may be positioning himself for a larger role within Kenya’s complex political establishment.
“He Talks Less, Works More”
On the streets of Air Base and along Juja Road, the verdict from residents is strikingly consistent.
“He speaks less and works more. He’s always reachable and gives immediate feedback,” said Calvin Juma, a California resident who has voted in Air Base for years.
Bodaboda operators echoed the sentiment:
“We’ve not had a more serious MCA. His work is dotted everywhere.”
Even roadside hawkers are unequivocal:
“If elections were held today, we would elect Hon. Fuad without hesitation.”
Supporters believe Fuad’s steady rise, ethnic bridge-building, and development-focused leadership suggest a man laying the groundwork for a bigger political leap—whether a return to Mandera politics or a strategic move within Nairobi or national power structures.
For now, Hon. Mohammed Hussein Fuad remains firmly grounded in Air Base. But if the political whispers are anything to go by, this MCA may not be staying in the ward for long.
