Opposition eyes Mombasa in 2027 power push, seeks to end ODM monopoly

The United Opposition leaders say they will shake up the Coastal region political matrix in the 2027 elections, urging Mombasa residents to reject poor county leadership.

They claim the region’s political direction has for long been controlled by a single family with a monopolistic agenda.

The leaders have thrown their weight behind Nyali Member of Parliament Mohamed Ali for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on a Wiper ticket, in what appears to be a strategy to consolidate opposition support across regions.

The opposition is eyeing Mombasa as it seeks support across the country, to oust President William Ruto from power in the 2027 General Election.

The opposition leaders were in Mombasa, a county deemed to lean towards ODM, keen to change the political outlook, insisting it is time for residents to rethink their political choices.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua: “Nimesema tunafagia wote Gavana Swamad, Soprano na Kasongo? Mpatie nafasi, gavana wenu sio wa kuchaguliwa na mtu…mpatie Mohammed Ali nafasi kuwa gavana wenu.”

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said: “Cha muhimu ni kuhakikisha kaunti ya Mombasa imepatiwa kipaumbele katika serikali ijayo na hapa kutakuwa na gavana ambaye ni muadilifu kisheria.”

The opposition has jointly endorsed Mohammed Ali as their unified candidate, a strategy aimed at preventing a split vote.

“Na mimi namuekelea mikono huyu Mohammed Ali ndiye atakayepeperusha bendera yetu hapa Pwani,” said Kalonzo.

The leaders also accused the government of sidelining the Coast region, alleging that only a few elites have benefited while the local economy struggles.

“Kiwanda ya Korosho ilikuwa hapa ilianguka na hakuna kitu serikali imefanya kufufua,” said Gachagua.

In Nyeri, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua dismissed claims of divisions within the opposition, saying every leader must mobilize support in their strongholds.

“Our house is big enough for everyone. Even where we have candidates, more are welcome the more, the merrier. Parties won’t dictate who gets elected,” said Karua.

In Nyamaiya, Nyamira County, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i condemned rising political violence, urging police to take action.

“Sisi hatutaki shida na vurugu na mtu yeyote because what is more important is stability of our country…hatuwezi kujenga nchi kama kuna vita na vurugu na ni kwa sababu ya ushenzi ya ubabe tu,” said Matiang’i.

Opposition rallies in Mombasa were held in Kongowea, Kengeleni, and Tononoka grounds.