Mombasa’s political contest intensified on Sunday, April 26, 2026, after Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho launched a sharp attack on Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka following his endorsement of Nyali MP Mohamed Ali for the Mombasa governor seat in the 2027 elections.

Joho spoke during the ODM Youth Convention at Alaska Grounds in Malindi, Kilifi County.

Joho dismissed Kalonzo’s political standing and vowed to defeat him politically. “Kalonzo, first check your own mirror and leadership; you don’t have it. You’ve opposed me all these years, and I crushed you. Even in 2027, I’ll team up with Ruto, and we’ll crush you,” he said.

He added, “Baada ya Ruto ni Joho, kwani iko nini ama ni shingapi?” positioning himself as a key figure in coastal politics.

Clash over Mombasa political endorsements

Kalonzo had earlier endorsed Mohamed Ali during a United Opposition rally at Kongowea Grounds in Mombasa on April 25. He was accompanied by Ali, whom he described as fit to lead the county under the Wiper Patriotic Front ticket.

“Tumeungana tumfanye na tusaidie nyinyi watu wa Nyali na Mombasa Nzima. Huyu bwana ambaye haogopi, hana doa lolote la wizi… Tumeona anaweza kubadili maisha ya Mombasa,” Kalonzo said.

He further referred to Mohamed Ali as “Sonko mara ishirini,” comparing him to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko while highlighting his suitability for leadership in Mombasa. The endorsement is part of broader opposition efforts to streamline candidates in urban areas ahead of the 2027 elections.

In the recent past, Nyali MP has escalated political tensions in the Coast region by directly challenging Joho to a head-to-head contest.

While accompanying Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during campaigns for Stanley Kenga in Magarini, Kilifi County, on Monday, November 24, 2025, Ali warned rival leaders against what he termed as political insults and dared Joho to confront him directly.

“Tread carefully. 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 said.

He further positioned himself as a key opposition figure in the region, adding: “I promise him that I will be the one leading the war right here from Lamu to his home in Lungalunga.”

The MP also dismissed reports linking him to any agreement supporting Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir’s re-election bid, insisting on his independent political stance.

His remarks, coupled with Kalonzo’s endorsement of emerging opposition figures, have further intensified political competition in the Coast ahead of the 2027 elections, signalling a sharpening rivalry for control of Mombasa politics.

Joho also takes aim at Gachagua

In the same address, Joho extended his criticism to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, urging him to address questions surrounding his family estate. “I want to tell Riggy G to answer the question about the theft by his brother. I can’t do it, and if you come at me, I’ll come at you,” he said.

The remarks referenced ongoing public disputes involving the estate of the late Nderitu Gachagua, which has remained a subject of political discussion.