Kalonzo unveils Ali, Jumwa in Coast team to challenge Ruto allies in 2027
The opposition has unveiled a three-member political team to spearhead its campaign at the Coast as rival camps intensify efforts to control the region’s vote ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The team, comprising Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako and former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, brings together politicians with influence in Mombasa, Taita-Taveta and Kilifi, in what Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka described as the beginning of a broader effort to reclaim the Coast for the opposition.
The move marks a significant shift in the political contest at the Coast, where President William Ruto’s allies have been seeking to consolidate support by bringing together governors, MPs and other leaders under the Kenya Kwanza umbrella.
For the opposition, the three politicians could provide the local political machinery needed to challenge the growing influence of the ruling coalition and prevent the region from becoming a one-sided political bloc.
Mr Musyoka, who was speaking in Kakuyuni, Kilifi County, while receiving Ms Jumwa into the Wiper Patriotic Front, proposed her as the party’s deputy leader.
He said Ms Jumwa’s political experience, combined with the influence of Mr Ali and Mr Mwashako, would strengthen Wiper’s presence at the Coast and help the opposition build a formidable campaign ahead of 2027.
“Ms Jumwa has risen in political leadership from county woman representative, MP and Cabinet Secretary. I now urge you to give me Ms Jumwa to go with her to liberate this country. I will give her the WPF party ticket for the gubernatorial race. I also want her to grow wings in national politics. As the WPF party leader, I propose that she becomes deputy leader at WPF,” Mr Musyoka said.
He declared that the political landscape at the Coast was changing, claiming that Wiper was positioning itself to replace ODM as the dominant opposition political vehicle in the region.
“I hereby declare that the former ODM stronghold now belongs to Wiper,” he said.
Mr Musyoka reminded residents of his long political association with the late ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga and their campaigns across the region for democracy and social justice.
Mr Ali said the three leaders would embark on an aggressive mobilisation campaign covering the entire Coast, from Lamu to Taita-Taveta and Lunga Lunga, in an effort to persuade voters to support Mr Musyoka and the opposition alliance.
“Ms Jumwa and I are Ronaldo and Messi. From Lamu, Taita-Taveta to Lunga Lunga, we will remove this regime from power,” Mr Ali said.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of abandoning leaders who helped it establish a political foothold at the Coast, saying Ms Jumwa’s decision to leave UDA demonstrated growing dissatisfaction among some of the coalition’s former allies.
Mr Mwashako, who is positioning himself to contest the Taita-Taveta gubernatorial seat in 2027, said his continued association with Wiper had come despite pressure to join the government.
He revealed that he had been approached to abandon the opposition and join the Kenya Kwanza administration, including offers of financial support for his gubernatorial campaign.
“I was elected on a Wiper ticket in 2017 and this political party is home. Recently they have been wooing me day and night to join the Broad-Based Government, but I have refused. They have even threatened me, but I stood my ground,” Mr Mwashako said.
He also disclosed that he resigned as chairperson of the Coast Parliamentary Group in January after allegedly being told that retaining the position required him to leave Wiper.
“I even refused their money. I was the chairperson of the Coast Parliamentary Group for three years, but this January I resigned because of the pressure. They told me if I wanted to retain that position, I must defect from Wiper. I decided to resign,” he said.
His revelation offers a glimpse into the political competition taking place behind the scenes as both sides seek to recruit influential Coast politicians ahead of 2027.
Mr Mwashako said the opposition would resist attempts to lure its leaders with government positions or financial incentives.
“Kenya is a democratic country and no one should be forced to join the government,” he said.
The Wundanyi MP said the arrival of Ms Jumwa into Wiper had strengthened the opposition’s position at the Coast, arguing that the trio would now share the responsibility of mobilising voters across the six counties.
“We are now three: me, Ms Jumwa and my brother Mr Ali, who will champion support. We have a lot of work to do to convince our people not to be swayed by money to support the state,” he said.
The formation of the team comes as Kenya Kwanza leaders intensify their own campaign to consolidate the Coast vote.
Mr Ali has already been endorsed by opposition leaders as a possible candidate for the Mombasa governorship, making him one of the most visible opposition figures in the region.
Mr Mwashako acknowledged that more leaders would need to join the opposition for the campaign to gain sufficient momentum.
“We are now three. I am sure more will join us. We have Mr Ali, Shakila Abdalla in Lamu, me in Taita-Taveta and people in Tana River and Kwale. But we must ensure Mr Musyoka wins the presidency in 2027,” he said.
Ms Jumwa urged Coast voters to emulate residents of Ol-Kalou who, she said, accepted government funds and development projects but still voted for an opposition candidate.
She warned that the government would deploy resources and machinery ahead of the 2027 General Election, but urged voters not to be swayed by the “goodies” offered during the campaigns.
She said voters should accept any benefits brought to them but exercise their democratic right independently at the ballot.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.