Ex-Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo Hints at UDA Exit as Jubilee Opens Door to Mombasa Governor Bid
Former Kisauni MP Ali Menza Mbogo has raised fresh questions over his political future after signalling that he could leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and pursue the Mombasa governorship on a Jubilee Party ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mbogo, who is seeking to become Mombasa governor, says his next political move will largely depend on whether he receives guarantees that Jubilee will conduct free, fair and transparent nominations.
The development could trigger a major shake-up in the increasingly competitive Mombasa gubernatorial race, with several political camps already positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
Mbogo made the remarks during a meeting with Jubilee officials and aspirants at the party’s Coast regional headquarters in Kizingo, Mombasa, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The former legislator said he had been encouraged by the reception he received from Jubilee officials and had also held discussions with senior party leaders.
“I am happy to be here because I have met many people, some of whom I have worked with before. I have also had an opportunity to engage the party leadership, and I am ready to work with anyone who is committed to changing Mombasa,” Mbogo said.
However, the former Kisauni MP stopped short of confirming an immediate defection, making clear that his decision would depend on assurances over the nomination process.
Mbogo wary of another political setback
Mbogo’s latest move comes against the backdrop of his experience in the 2022 Mombasa gubernatorial contest, when political manoeuvres left his ambitions frustrated.
He has previously described the events surrounding the 2022 race as a political betrayal and appears determined to avoid a repeat as he prepares for another attempt at the county’s top seat.
His current position also represents an interesting turn in his relationship with UDA.
In May 2026, Mbogo publicly dismissed speculation that he was preparing to leave UDA, insisting that he remained firmly within the ruling party and would not accept a deputy role.
His latest engagement with Jubilee could therefore signal a significant change in the political calculations surrounding the 2027 Mombasa race.
Mbogo currently chairs the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority and previously served as Kisauni MP. Official LAPSSET records identify him as chairman of the authority’s board.
Talks with Fred Matiang’i
Mbogo also disclosed that he had engaged Jubilee Deputy Party Leader and presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i over his political ambitions.
The discussions reportedly included conditions that would need to be met before he could formally cross over to Jubilee.
For Mbogo, the gubernatorial ambition appears to be the red line.
He said he would pursue the Mombasa governorship regardless of which political vehicle ultimately carries his name on the ballot.
“Our mission is to send the current governor home. Even if I stand alone, I will fight until that happens,” he said.
Mbogo has also criticised the administration of incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, accusing it of poor service delivery — allegations that form part of his broader argument for a change of leadership in Mombasa.
Jubilee weighs its options
A move by Mbogo to Jubilee would give the party another high-profile contender as it attempts to rebuild its political machinery at the Coast.
Jubilee has been stepping up its grassroots mobilisation in Mombasa, with party officials from the county’s six constituencies recently meeting at the Kizingo headquarters to coordinate preparations ahead of the 2027 election.
Mombasa Jubilee chairman Richard Barake said the party was focused on rebuilding its structures and creating space for competing aspirants.
“Our focus is to rebuild Jubilee and ensure everyone is accommodated. We want transparent nominations because politics is about the people’s interests,” Barake said.
He expressed confidence that bringing influential political figures into Jubilee’s fold could strengthen the party’s prospects in Mombasa.
The party is targeting positions across the political spectrum, from the presidency and governorship to parliamentary and county assembly seats.
Mombasa governor race takes shape
Mbogo’s possible move to Jubilee comes as the Mombasa gubernatorial contest continues to attract heavyweight political players.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, popularly known as Jicho Pevu, has already been positioned as a major contender after Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced in April that Ali would contest the Mombasa governor’s seat on a Wiper ticket.
Ali has also maintained that he intends to challenge Governor Nassir rather than support his re-election.
That means a potential Mbogo-Jubilee ticket could create a three-way political battle involving the incumbent, Ali and Mbogo, depending on how opposition alliances and party nominations ultimately unfold.
For now, Mbogo’s next move remains unresolved.
But his appearance at Jubilee’s Coast headquarters, coupled with his demand for guarantees over nominations, has injected fresh uncertainty into Mombasa’s 2027 political contest.
The question now is whether UDA can keep Mbogo within its ranks — or whether Jubilee is about to land one of the Coast’s most closely watched gubernatorial hopefuls.
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