Nyali MP Mohammed Ali’s decision to suspend his political activities for three months has raised questions about his future. His close ties with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have reportedly placed him on the wrong side of President William Ruto’s allies.
Political insiders believe Ali’s troubles began when EALA MP Omar Hassan replaced Cleophas Malala as UDA Secretary General.
This shift left Ali’s faction in Mombasa sidelined. As Ali eyes the 2027 governorship, can he regain his footing in the competitive coastal political scene?
Can Mohammed ‘Jicho Pevu’ Ali Revive His Political Career?
Mohammed Ali’s political woes became evident when Cleophas Malala’s removal from UDA leadership weakened his position in Mombasa.
Malala had supported Ali’s bid to head the UDA Mombasa branch. However, with Omar Hassan’s appointment as Secretary General, Ali found himself isolated.
Ali’s Isolation in Mombasa Politics
The situation worsened after former Governor Hassan Joho was named Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy.
Joho, a close ally of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Omar Hassan, reentered the political scene with significant influence.
Ali’s past confrontations with Joho further alienated him. During a public event, Ali boldly challenged Joho, Abdulswamad, and Hassan Sarai, declaring he could defeat them all politically.
“Let me handle Joho, Abdulswamad, and Sarai. They are all the same,” Ali stated. However, this defiance only deepened his isolation.
Adding to his troubles, Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed also fell out with Ali, further eroding his support base.
A Strategic Pause or Political Decline?
Ali announced his temporary exit from politics on December 27, 2024, citing knee surgery as the reason. He revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that his doctor had advised limited mobility for three months to ensure full recovery.
“Following the knee injury I sustained during the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, I’m pleased to share that I’ve had a successful surgery. My doctor recommends limited mobility for at least three months. I’ll suspend all political activities but assure Nyali constituents that my office will continue operating. Please keep me in your prayers. Mungu wa kwetu sote,” Ali wrote.
Despite his medical explanation, political observers believe Ali’s suspension is more strategic. His decision to step back comes amid growing political pressure and reduced influence within the UDA party.
Insiders suggest Ali is using the hiatus to regroup and strategize for the 2027 governorship race.
Rift Valley Connections: A Political Liability?
Ali’s close association with Rigathi Gachagua has also been a source of his challenges. Gachagua’s diminishing influence in Kenya Kwanza left Ali vulnerable. Analysts believe Ali’s ties to Gachagua led to his sidelining by Ruto’s power brokers.
Furthermore, Ali’s vocal criticism of Joho and Abdulswamad put him at odds with key figures in Mombasa politics.
Joho’s reappointment as a Cabinet Secretary bolstered his standing, while Abdulswamad’s leadership as ODM Deputy Party Leader solidified his influence.
Ali’s isolation became apparent as he struggled to build alliances in the coastal region.
Ali’s Role in Regional Sports and Governance
Despite his political challenges, Ali remained active in representing Kenya during the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in December 2024.
He played football in the curtain-raiser match at the newly renovated KPA Mbaraki Stadium in Mombasa.
The event brought together over 1,000 representatives from EALA and national parliaments across EAC member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi.
While his participation showcased his commitment to regional cooperation, it also highlighted his injury, which he later cited as the reason for suspending political engagements.
What’s Next for Mohammed ‘Jicho Pevu’ Ali?
As Mohammed Ali recuperates, he faces mounting challenges in reclaiming his political relevance. His ambition to run for Mombasa’s governorship in 2027 will require rebuilding alliances and addressing the fractures in his support base.
Observers suggest Ali must reconcile with key players like Joho and Abdulswamad while navigating his strained relationship with UDA’s leadership.
Whether his three-month hiatus proves to be a strategic comeback or a sign of political decline remains to be seen.
Ali’s resilience and ability to adapt will determine his place in Mombasa’s volatile political landscape.
For now, his constituents wait to see if their MP can overcome his challenges and emerge stronger in the next election cycle.