Political Battle Lines Drawn

MOMBASA – A fierce political battle for control of Kenya's Coast region has erupted, with Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali issuing a direct challenge to the long-perceived regional kingpin, Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho. Speaking on Monday, 24 November 2025, in Magarini, Kilifi County, Ali warned Joho to cease criticising opposition leaders and instead face him directly in the political arena. The confrontation marks a significant moment in the run-up to the 2027 General Election, signalling a major realignment of political forces in a region historically dominated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Ali, a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), made the remarks while accompanying Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on a campaign trail for a local by-election. "I want to put those leaders who insult other leaders on notice. I heard Joho insulting Kalonzo. I want him to leave Kalonzo and Gachagua alone. He should tread carefully and face me," Ali stated, positioning himself as a new power centre ready to contest Joho's influence.

A Surprising Alliance

The Nyali MP's appearance alongside Kalonzo Musyoka, a principal of the united opposition, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. While Ali was elected on a UDA ticket in 2022, his recent activities suggest a potential shift in alliances. In early October 2025, Ali shared photos of meetings with both Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sparking widespread speculation about his political future. This has fueled theories that Ali is positioning himself for a gubernatorial run in Mombasa in 2027, potentially under a new political alignment.

Kalonzo Musyoka has openly embraced Ali, hailing him as a "fearless leader" capable of fighting corruption in the region. During the Magarini rally, Musyoka noted that Ali's presence was causing anxiety among established leaders like Joho and governors Gideon Mung'aro and Abdulswamad Nassir. This budding alliance complicates the traditional UDA versus opposition narrative, suggesting a more fluid and personality-driven contest for the Coast's nearly two million votes.

The Scramble for the Coast

The Coast has emerged as a critical battleground for the 2027 elections. Historically a stronghold for ODM, the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition has been making aggressive inroads. Ali's challenge to Joho is a key part of this strategy. Joho, the former two-term Mombasa Governor, now serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy in President William Ruto's government, a position he secured as part of a broad-based government arrangement.

However, Joho's position within ODM has appeared tenuous. In mid-November 2025, he publicly claimed that shadowy figures within the party were attempting to sideline him due to his cooperation with the government. He vowed to resist any attempts to oust him, declaring, "If you chase us, we will chase you. We will square it out." This internal friction within ODM creates a potential opening for challengers like Ali to chip away at the party's support base.

Implications for 2027

The confrontation is more than a personal rivalry; it is a microcosm of the national political realignments taking shape. The opposition, led by figures like Kalonzo Musyoka, is actively campaigning to consolidate its base and has identified the Coast as a pivotal region. By-elections, such as the one in Magarini, are being treated as crucial tests of strength and momentum-building exercises for the larger 2027 contest.

Mohammed Ali, a former investigative journalist, has built a reputation as a vocal and aggressive politician. His willingness to openly join opposition rallies while being a member of the ruling party indicates a high-stakes political gamble. It suggests he believes the political ground in the Coast is shifting and that an alliance with other anti-Joho forces, regardless of their national affiliation, is his best path to regional dominance. As the political climate intensifies, this rivalry is set to redefine the leadership and political direction of one of Kenya's most crucial voting blocs.