Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has confirmed that Nyali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali will contest the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on a Wiper ticket in the 2027 General Election.

The announcement, made during a rally at Kongowea in Mombasa, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, marks a key moment in the opposition’s strategy to consolidate support in coastal politics.

Kalonzo said the opposition had agreed to back Mohamed Ali, also known as Jicho Pevu, after consultations involving other leaders in the United Opposition. He said the decision aimed to strengthen their chances in a county that remains politically competitive.

“Tumeungana tumfanye na tusaidie nyinyi watu wa Nyali Constituency na Mombasa Nzima,” Kalonzo told the crowd. “Huyu bwana ambaye haogopi, hana doa lolote la wizi kwa damu yake. Kazi yake ni kumulika wezi. Tumeona anaweza kubadili maisha ya Mombasa.”

He went on to formally announce the ticket.

“Kwa hivyo mimi natangaza kwamba Mohamed Ali, alias Jicho Pevu, tutampatia tikiti ya Wiper Patriotic Front achukue kiti,” he said. “Wangapi wanatuunga mkono kwa mambo hiyo? Aah huyu ni gavana tayari.”

Kalonzo also referenced past political contests in Mombasa, pointing to tensions and negotiations that have shaped opposition politics in the region. He recalled the 2022 period when leaders, including former ODM leader Raila Odinga, campaigned heavily in the county in support of the current governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir.

Wiper had initially planned to front former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, a move that they said exposed divisions within the opposition at the time. Sonko was however, disqualified by the IEBC following his 2020 impeachment by the Nairobi County Assembly, which rendered him ineligible to contest elective office under constitutional provisions.

“Kumbukeni tulikuwa na gavana Sonko ambaye walimzuia,” Kalonzo said. “Sasa tumepata Sonko mara ishirini, Jicho Pevu, ambaye atahakikisha Mombasa inakuwa mahali pa demokrasia na usawa.”

His remarks underline a shift in strategy by the opposition, which is now working to avoid multiple candidates splitting votes in key regions such as Mombasa and Nairobi.

Opposition Mombasa strategy

The endorsement of Mohamed Ali follows earlier confirmation from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who said opposition leaders had reached a consensus to field him under Wiper despite his links to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

“Huyu Mohammed Ali ni mtu wangu wa DCP, lakini nimekubaliana na mwenzangu Kalonzo Musyoka kwamba asimame na Wiper hapa Mombasa,” Gachagua said in an earlier briefing.

The former deputy president explained that the formula would be used across urban centres and cities to avoid infighting among parties in the United Opposition. Gachagua made it clear that the opposition would not adopt zoning as seen in the coalition between ODM and UDA.

Kalonzo’s relationship with the current Mombasa leadership has also played a role in shaping the new political direction. Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, who won the seat in 2022, has maintained a strong base in the county under ODM. However, opposition leaders have often challenged his administration, accusing it of failing to fully address corruption and service delivery issues.

Kalonzo’s latest remarks suggest a more direct confrontation with the county leadership as the opposition builds its case ahead of the next election.

The Wiper leader also drew comparisons between past and present political alignments, saying the opposition now had a stronger and more unified structure. He argued that, unlike previous cycles, where candidates like Sonko created divisions and legal complications, the current arrangement gives the opposition a clearer path.

Mohamed Ali’s entry into the race under Wiper significantly changes the dynamics in Mombasa. His background as an investigative journalist and his strong anti-corruption messaging give him a different appeal compared to traditional political figures in the region.

The absence of Raila Odinga’s strong influence in coastal politics has opened space for new alliances. This has allowed leaders like Kalonzo and Gachagua to take a more central role in shaping opposition strategy in the region.