'I have no money, but I have the people': Mohamed Ali opens up on his Mombasa governor bid

Nyali MP Mohamed Ali has opened up on his bid for the Mombasa governor’s seat, declaring that he is driven by a desire to fix what he describes as years of poor leadership.

Ali, popularly known as Jicho Pevu, said he wants to lead the coastal county because he believes Mombasa can perform much better in healthcare, education, sanitation, and service delivery.

The second-term lawmaker insists that he is not intimidated by wealthy political rivals despite lacking deep pockets himself.

"I want to be governor because I believe Mombasa deserves better," Ali said during an explosive interview with the Star in his office in Parliament Buildings.

"Our people are struggling with poor healthcare, unemployment, poor sanitation, and inadequate public services. These are problems that require leadership, commitment, and honesty."

Ali spoke as the race for the coast county’s top continues to attract bigwigs in what pans out as a battle of titans.

At least six other aspirants are eyeing the seat in next year’s general election.

They include incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, EALA MP Suleiman Shahbal, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, former Nyali MP Awiti Bolo, former Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo and County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri.

The outspoken legislator said his experience ‘transforming’ Nyali Constituency had convinced him that he could replicate the same success across the county.

"When I became MP, Nyali had only one public secondary school. Today, we have built many schools, improved roads, installed street lights, strengthened security, and invested heavily in education. That is the kind of development I want every part of Mombasa to enjoy."

Ali said education remains the foundation of his development agenda.

"I joined politics because I wanted to empower people through education. If you educate a child, you change an entire family. That has always been my philosophy."

"You can have a beautiful house where one room is spotless while the rest are in terrible condition. My goal is to ensure every ward benefits equally."

Ali singled out healthcare as one of the biggest challenges facing the county.

"Our hospitals are struggling. Patients should not be forced to buy basic drugs or seek treatment elsewhere. We must restore dignity in public healthcare."

He noted that Mombasa serves as the main referral centre for the Coast region and therefore requires substantial investment.

"Mombasa receives patients from neighbouring counties every day. We cannot continue operating facilities that are overwhelmed while expecting quality healthcare."

Ali also promised to revive the county's economy by strengthening tourism, improving cleanliness and creating a business-friendly environment.

"Mombasa is Kenya's tourism capital. If we improve security, cleanliness and infrastructure, investors will come, businesses will thrive and young people will get jobs."

Ali said he is undeterred or shaken by bigwigs he is facing in the race for the seat.

"I know many of those seeking this seat have enormous financial resources. I don't have that kind of money, but I am not scared."

He argued that elections are ultimately decided by voters rather than campaign spending.

"If money decided elections, many leaders in this country would never have lost. Leadership is not about who spends the most money. It is about who earns the trust of the people."

Ali said he intends to run a grassroots campaign focused on his record rather than financial muscle.

"My biggest asset is the people of Mombasa. They know what I have done in Nyali and they know the kind of leader I am."

He cited his stewardship of the Parliamentary Service Commission's Finance Committee as evidence that he possesses the managerial skills required to run the county government.

"I oversee a budget of more than Sh46 billion every year in Parliament. Mombasa's budget is much smaller. Managing public resources responsibly is something I already do."

Ali also criticised leaders whom he accused of relying on political personalities instead of delivering tangible development.

"People should not vote based on political slogans or personalities. They should ask what each candidate has done and what they intend to do for Mombasa."

Political analysts expect next year's gubernatorial contest to be among the most competitive in the country, with incumbency, party influence, financial resources and individual track records all expected to shape the outcome.

For Ali, however, the campaign will revolve around a simple message.

"This election is about changing Mombasa," he said.

"I want to build a county where hospitals work, children get quality education, businesses grow, neighbourhoods are clean and every resident feels the impact of good leadership. That is why I am seeking the governorship."

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Mohamed Ali's entry adds a fresh dynamic to the Mombasa governor's race by positioning himself as an outsider challenging both the political establishment and wealthy rivals. His campaign seeks to leverage his development record in Nyali and anti-corruption credentials rather than financial muscle. However, translating constituency-level popularity into countywide support will be a tougher task. With incumbent Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and other influential contenders in the race, Ali will need broad political alliances and a strong grassroots network to overcome the advantages of better-funded competitors.