Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali has appeared to shift his political allegiance after being spotted in the company of Wiper Party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, signaling a possible fallout with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Ali, who has largely maintained political silence in recent months, has been missing from key presidential events at the Coast, sparking speculation about his next move. The second-term lawmaker is widely believed to be eyeing the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
Asked about his political future, Ali insisted he still had pressing constituency duties to attend to.
“I still have a huge responsibility to serve my people in Nyali Constituency. I need to construct schools, roads, ensure children go to school and accelerate the already ongoing empowerment programs,” he said recently during the launch of the Nyali Links Road.
On Saturday, the legislator shared photos enjoying tea with Kalonzo and Gachagua, posting:
“Some things are better left unannounced, because they are meant to be discovered. Happy to be sipping tea in the company of great, wise men.”
Ali first entered Parliament in 2017 as an independent candidate after being denied the ODM ticket. He went on to win re-election in 2022 under the UDA banner. However, his absence from UDA activities has fueled talk of a widening rift with the ruling party.
The lawmaker’s latest move comes against the backdrop of political realignments at the national level, especially after Gachagua’s ouster as Deputy President and his replacement by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Ali is expected to face a crowded field in the 2027 Mombasa gubernatorial race, including former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo, County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri, and incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir.
