Nyali MP Mohammed Ali / BRIAN OTIENO
Mombasa ODM leaders Suleiman Shahbal, Rashid Bedzimba,
Aharub Khatri, Omar Mwinyi, Abdulswamad Nassir, Hassan Joho, Mohammed Machele,
Mishi Mboko and Zamzam Mohamed in Mombasa after meeting Joho on Monday / BRIAN
OTIENO
A political fight has erupted between Mombasa ODM leaders and Nyali MP Mohammed Ali,
following sharp exchanges over development in the county.
Ali, a
member of the ruling UDA party, took to social media on Tuesday to criticise
elected ODM MPs in Mombasa, blaming them for what he terms as failing to deliver tangible
benefits to residents. He was reacting to a meeting hosted on Monday by Mining
Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho that brought together several Mombasa leaders.
Ali claimed
the meeting was a public relations exercise, saying such gatherings have not
translated into real change for the county. He further argued that residents
had waited years for solutions to persistent challenges such as water
shortages, poor infrastructure, waste management, and youth unemployment.
“Instead of
addressing these issues, leaders continue to hold meetings, issue promises, and
offer handouts,” he posted.
The Monday
meeting at Joho’s office was attended by Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Mombasa
Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed, Mvita MP Mohamed Machele, Likoni MP Mishi
Mboko, Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba, and Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi.
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib sent his apologies, while Ali said he was not invited.
Zamzam said the discussions focused on peace building amid heightened political
tensions and exploring investment opportunities for Mombasa. East African
Legislative Assembly MP Suleiman Shahbal said leaders shared ideas on
attracting development to the county.
“It was a
healthy discussion. While the national government’s support is important, local
leaders must also drive their own agenda to attract investment,” Shahbal said.
Joho, who
served as Mombasa governor for 10 years, was lauded by some leaders for
projects such as upgrading the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital,
introducing a bursary scheme, and expanding Early Childhood Development Centres.
However, Ali
questioned the impact of Joho’s tenure, saying key challenges remained unresolved.
He also claimed he has often been excluded from county leadership forums, an
assertion ODM leaders dismissed.
Speaking in
Shanzu on Wednesday, Zamzam denied any exclusion based on ethnicity or
political affiliation, saying Mombasa’s leadership is multi-ethnic and
inclusive.
“I am
multi-cultural myself, and Mombasa voters have never discriminated against
leaders based on their roots,” she said.
She accused
Ali of seeking political mileage ahead of the 2027 General Election, where he
is widely speculated to be eyeing the governor’s seat—though he has not made an
official declaration.
Zamzam also
defended her community empowerment drives, which Ali has described as handouts,
insisting they are aimed at improving livelihoods.
“I will
continue supporting residents financially and economically, and I will not be
deterred,” she said.
Ali, first
elected in 2017, has often operated independently from other county leaders,
rarely appearing in joint functions with fellow MPs or MCAs, but maintaining a
vocal stance on governance issues.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Nyali MP has been a lone ranger since his election in 2017. He has always not been seen with any MCA or MP during his functions in Nyali, opting to silently work for his people. However, he has been vocal against other leaders, especially the top county leadership.
