Mohammed Ali Accuses Mombasa Governor of Plot to Rig Magarini By-Election

Mohammed Ali has accused Mombasa governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir of attempting to interfere with Thursday’s Magarini Parliamentary by-election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the Nyali MP said he had credible information that the governor had deployed several presiding officers and inspectorate staff with instructions to influence the conduct of the vote. Ali claimed that four presiding officers and around thirty inspectorate officials had been assigned to disrupt the polling process, adding that his team was monitoring the situation closely and would oppose any attempt to manipulate the outcome.

The allegations emerged as Stanley Kenga, the Democratic Change Party’s candidate for Magarini, intensified his campaign ahead of the 27 November poll. Kenga was formally endorsed earlier in the week, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in attendance. Ali, who moved from investigative journalism into politics, has taken a prominent role in supporting Kenga’s bid, drawing on his anti-corruption profile to mobilise voters.

Ali’s campaign team has also cautioned residents about reported efforts to bribe voters. In a widely shared message, Ali advised constituents to accept any inducements offered but to vote for Kenga regardless.

United Opposition Coalition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has publicly supported Ali’s position. Speaking on Tuesday, Kalonzo commended Ali’s record in exposing wrongdoing and argued that his involvement in Kenga’s campaign acts as a safeguard against alleged misconduct by political figures, including former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and Governor Nassir.

The dispute has focused attention on the stability of Kenya’s electoral environment, particularly during by-elections where local political contests can carry wider significance. Allegations of bribery and interference have raised concerns about the credibility of the Magarini vote and the level of public confidence in electoral institutions.