Legislator Moves to Resolve Little Theatre Takeover Row

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mvita MP Mohamed Machele has vowed to spearhead efforts to resolve the standoff surrounding the proposed takeover of the Little Theatre Club in Mombasa by the Kenya Railways Corporation.

Following growing concern from artists and creative industry players, Machele on Tuesday led a delegation comprising Little Theatre directors, members of the creative community and Mombasa County Commissioner Mohammed Nur in a meeting aimed at charting a way forward.

The leaders agreed to engage the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports to initiate dialogue and secure a lasting solution. The meeting was also attended by the Mombasa Press Club chairman Omar Shungu.

“We have talked to all the relevant government departments and ministries involved. Our intention is to resolve this problem once and for all so that we can grow the creative economy,” he said.

The intervention comes in the wake of last week events when artists raised alarm over what they termed an imminent takeover of the historic Little Theatre Club premises by Kenya Railways.

The development sparked protests and public outcry, with creatives warning that the move threatened one of the oldest cultural and artistic hubs on the Coast.

The Little Theatre Club, which has operated for decades, is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Mombasa’s creative scene, having nurtured generations of actors, playwrights, musicians and filmmakers.

Artists fear that losing the space would deal a major blow to the creative economy and deny young talents a critical platform.

County Commissioner Mohammed Nur urged calm as the government works towards a solution assuring stakeholders that the creative sector remains a priority.

“The government is committed to growing the creative economy as a key driver of job creation. We are moving with speed to ensure this matter is addressed amicably,” he said.

Daudi Anguka, representing the Mombasa Creative Taskforce, called on the government to firmly protect the centre from what he described as opportunistic interests.

“Our meeting focused on how to save this centre from being taken away. We want it to continue serving artists. This is not about fighting anyone; it is about ensuring the creative industry is protected and promoted,” he said.

Little Theatre Club Deputy Secretary Collins Magicho said the centre had played a pivotal role in nurturing talent over the years and should remain under the stewardship of the club.

“We want a sustainable solution. Anyone who does not support the creative economy should not be part of this process. Our goal is to ensure the centre continues to grow and serve creatives,” he said.

The club’s Secretary, Mbashir Shambi, echoed the call for dialogue, saying it offered the best path to sustainability.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that with political goodwill and government intervention, the Little Theatre Club would be preserved as a cultural landmark and a pillar of Mombasa’s creative economy.