Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced a strategic agreement to support Nyali MP Mohammed Ali’s candidacy for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat under the Wiper party banner. During a media briefing in the Coast region on April 25, Gachagua clarified that despite Ali’s affiliation with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), he has reached a consensus with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to present Ali as the united opposition candidate for Mombasa.
Gachagua stated, “Mohamed Ali is my person from DCP, but I have agreed with my cousin Kalonzo Musyoka that he will run with Wiper here in Mombasa.” This development follows Gachagua’s earlier remarks indicating that zoning within the united opposition would only occur in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.
Political analyst Herman Manyora has also weighed in on the 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial race, suggesting that Mohammed Ali poses a significant threat to incumbent Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir. In a recent interview on his YouTube channel, Manyora noted that the political landscape in the coastal region has shifted since the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, now seemingly favoring Ali’s bid for the county’s top position.
Manyora emphasized that Ali, with his roots in northeastern Kenya, represents a formidable challenge to the traditional belief that only coastal politicians can govern Mombasa. He remarked, “Mohamed Ali is a really scary candidate because he challenges the notion that leadership in Mombasa must come from the coast.” This shift in narrative introduces a non-coastal perspective, complicating Nassir’s position as he navigates a strong opposition landscape.
Furthermore, Manyora pointed out that the absence of Raila Odinga, a beloved figure among coastal communities, places Nassir at a disadvantage. The evolving dynamics within the ODM party following Raila’s death further dilute its influence in the Coast region, leaving Nassir vulnerable. “Mohamed Ali is really scary. He brings the idea that a non-coastal person can be governor of Mombasa. The narrative has shifted,” Manyora concluded, highlighting the challenges ahead for the incumbent.
