This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali was reportedly considering a return to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to defend his seat in the 2022 general elections.
According to multiple sources, Mohammed Ali's future political ambitions require him to join a mainstream party that is well-liked at the Coast and can effectively lobby for the interests of Mombasa people.
His decision to bolt out of ODM in 2017 was due to irregularities in the party's nominations, which led him to vie as an independent candidate in the Nyali seat. He successfully defeated ODM candidate Said Abdallah, who was accused of using his relationship with Governor Hassan Joho to secure the ODM ticket.
Recently, Mohammed Ali has been trying to distance himself from the Tanga Tanga label and has avoided attending Deputy President William Ruto's functions and rallies. Instead, he is positioning himself as an independent voice to cleanse his image after associating with the DP.
The ongoing protests against the government's order to use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for cargo transportation from Mombasa has given Mohammed Ali an opportunity to redeem himself. He is now working alongside ODM leaders at the Coast to fight a common enemy, a move seen as a strategic plan to gain a foothold in Mombasa politics and the national scene.
A return to ODM would be a significant boost to Mohammed Ali's career, given his good relationship with ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is believed to have personally encouraged him to join politics.
