The former journalist has declared his intention to independently steer the UDA ship to demonstrate his political strength. Despite accumulating more adversaries than allies locally, Ali is adamant about facing his challenges head-on.
Ali has requested President William Ruto to allow him to handle his local political struggles without interference, stating, “Even if you have promised a unifying government, please let us manage our local politics and resolve our issues.”
In the presence of President Ruto, Ali targeted Mining and Blue Economy CS nominee Hassan Joho, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and UDA vice chair Hassan Omar with sharp criticism. “Let me deal with Joho, Abdulswamad, and Hassan Sarai. I’m ready to take them all on,” he declared.
Ali claimed that although he may be small in stature, he possesses formidable strength, likening himself to the durability of a railway line. This declaration sparked a strong reaction from Woman Representative ZamZam Mohamed, who accused Ali of fueling discriminatory politics.
Joho’s recent return to Mombasa, following months in Nairobi, was celebrated locally and seen as a sign of his enduring political influence. Despite this, Ali believes Joho’s comeback should not intimidate him.
Political analysts weighed in, with Mwakuja Mrombo noting that Joho’s return could significantly impact Mombasa politics, especially if he activates his support base from his previous tenure in Kisauni. Joho’s potential alliance with Omar could further reshape the political landscape.
Mrombo observed that Ali, once a favorite of Ruto at the Coast, now faces a shifting political environment. The alignment of Joho and Omar presents a significant challenge for Ali, who must adapt to this new dynamic or risk being sidelined.
The recent changes within ODM, including Wycliffe Oparanya’s CS nomination and potential new leadership roles for Abdulswamad and Simba Arati, are also likely to influence Mombasa’s political scene. The demands for better governance from Gen Z and a Cabinet reshuffle by the President have added to the political flux.
Ali’s call for Joho to focus on national politics rather than Mombasa reflects his desire to maintain his local influence. He remains resolute, stating, “We welcome Joho, but if he is given a flag, it should represent the whole country, not just Mombasa.”
Analysts like Frankline Nzao noted that Ali’s political career began with ODM, and despite feeling betrayed, he successfully leveraged anti-Joho sentiment to secure the Nyali seat. His accomplishments have solidified his position, but any collaboration with Joho could weaken his standing.
As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how Ali will navigate the shifting tides and whether he can maintain his influence amid growing challenges.
