Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has been embroiled in a row with a family in Mombasa over a burial site each claiming to belong to their mother.

The family from Mombasa has accused Sonko, who is now eyeing the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on a Wiper Party ticket, of laying claim to the same burial site their matriarch was buried seven years back.

The row emerged hours after Sonko, who was flanked by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, visited the site at the Kikowani Muslim Cemetery to pay tribute to his mother, whom he claimed was buried there.    

During rallies to drum up support for his governor bid, Sonko has insisted that he has every right to vie for the position in the August election as he was a local claiming he was born and raised in in Mombasa and had even buried his own mother in the coastal city.

Mike Sonko and Abubakar Aboudi. PHOTO/COURTESY

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During his controversial visit to the graveside at Kikowani, a host of religious leaders led in a prayer session but hours later the family of Abubakar Aboudi Karama condemned Sonko accusing him of laying claim to their late mother's grave.

Abubakar told Sonko to seek votes through alternative means instead of using a gravesite they claim is theirs.

“This is the grave my mother, Mariam Ali was buried seven years ago. Do not look for votes using graveyards. It is disappointing and saddening that Mr Sonko can claim ownership of my mother’s grave, claiming it is his mother who was buried here,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar also cautioned Kalonzo against reportedly being duped by Sonko to disturb the peace of the departed.

“Let the dead rest. Stop disturbing them. To Wiper leader Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, why would you buy such a lie? We want you to come here apologies,” Abubakar said.

Sonko, who was given a direct ticket by Kalonzo's Wiper party to vie for the Mombasa governor seat, is set for a fierce political battle against ODM's Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir and former Senator Hassan Omar of the UDA party headed by Deputy President William Ruto.