Speaking to media in the Coast region on Saturday, Gachagua revealed that the decision was reached after consultations with Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper Party leader.
He explained that although Ali is affiliated with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the opposition had agreed to field him as a unified candidate to strengthen their chances in the coastal county.
Gachagua emphasized that the move reflects growing cooperation within the opposition, even as debates around zoning continue.
He noted that while zoning may be applied in key urban areas such as Nairobi and Mombasa, the broader strategy remains focused on presenting strong candidates capable of winning.
Ali’s bid is expected to intensify competition against incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, who now faces a shifting political landscape at the Coast.
Political analyst Herman Manyora has previously observed that Ali’s candidacy could significantly disrupt traditional voting patterns in Mombasa.
According to Manyora, Ali challenges the long-held belief that Mombasa leadership must come from indigenous coastal communities. His entry introduces a new dynamic, appealing to a broader voter base beyond ethnic and regional considerations.
The analyst also pointed out that the changing political environment, particularly within ODM following the death of Raila Odinga, has weakened the party’s influence at the Coast. This, he argues, leaves Nassir more vulnerable than in previous contests.
With campaigns gradually taking shape, the Mombasa gubernatorial race is emerging as one of the most closely watched battles ahead of 2027, with opposition unity likely to play a decisive role.
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