Nyali MP Mohammed Ali along the Links Road section that is undergoing repair on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has said he will not be intimidated into silence following his criticism of the government.
Recently, the UDA MP has been criticising the Kenya Kwanza regime for presiding over extrajudicial killings and abductions.
“I am on the side of Allah and the residents of Mombasa County and Nyali. I am on the side of truth...Nobody can control me. My name is Mohammed Ali,” he said on Friday.
Ali was responding to questions from journalists on which side he is on after breaking ranks with UDA lieutenants in Mombasa.
The MP was first elected to Parliament in 2017 on an independent ticket
He said he was elected for who he is and not the party.
“I came back with a party, UDA, and they chose me with an extra 10,000 votes. And if I want to go forward, I will decide on which way and which path," Ali said.
“I will not walk my own path, I will walk the path of the people of the great county of Mombasa. What they want is what my heart wants."
The MP, who has expressed interest in the Mombasa governor's seat in 2027, said he will face voters without fear.
“Whether we will have a combination of cartels against Mohammed Ali, thugs or small men and women who want to be god and want to impose leaders on us, we will face them head on,” Ali said.
He said his politics is not about money but ideologies.
“Let me finish the mandate of Nyali because I have two years left. Allow me to serve the people of Nyali first,” Ali said, falling short of officially declaring his anticipated bid for the Mombasa governor position.
Ever since his election in 2017, the Nyali MP has been a lone ranger.
Although he has not spoken about it publicly, many believe he is silently supporting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ali was a staunch supporter of Gachagua, up until days to his impeachment when he posted a statement on his socials in support of the UDA party and President William Ruto.
“After a tremendously difficult week, I have had a chance to listen to all sides - read through all the allegations brought forth to the House and, in light of new information, my decision today will reflect my commitment and loyalty to the Republic of Kenya and my political party. Chama iko imara!” he posted on October 8 last year, alongside a portrait of Ruto ahead of the impeachment.
He has since been silent about his support for UDA but has maintained his criticism.
The MP has been missing in action for nine months owing to his ACL injury, with many speculating that he had quit politics.
“Some think I have quit politics. Some think I am afraid to declare my stand. When you are sick, other things can wait. My health comes first,” Ali said after launching repair works on Links Road.
He underwent three surgeries, two in Kenya in December and January and one in India in May, after he tore his anterior cruciate ligaments during the East Africa Parliamentary games in Mombasa last December.
“I was not in a position to say whatever Kenyans wanted to hear from me. I was very sick and almost lost my life. I could not mix my health with politics,” Ali said.
He said his reduced public presence did not mean he could not see what was happening in Kenya.
“I have talked about many things including extra-judicial killings. And I have said it, it should end and it should never be practiced in this country,” Ali said.
He said Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who has returned to work after stepping aside to allow investigations into the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in the police custody, should be prosecuted and jailed if found guilty.
“I hear rumours that he is back in office. He should go home. We are not going to allow him. A young man died in the police station. He should go home, no negotiation,” the MP said.
He said it will take another four to six months for him to be actively involved in the day-to-day politics of the country.
Instant Analysis:
The Nyali MP has been one of President William Ruto’s trusted allies in Mombasa because of his grassroots mobilisation ability and his charismatic oration in public. He has, however, been seen as a one-man army, with most of his functions having one or no MCAs in tow.
