Mohammed Ali Warns Against Fake Accounts, Propaganda as Mombasa Campaign Season Approaches

Mombasa MP Warns Residents Against Fake Social Media Accounts and Political Propaganda

Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali has issued a stern warning to Mombasa residents about the growing threat of misinformation and fake social media accounts as Kenya heads toward the 2027 election cycle.

In a statement shared Tuesday on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Ali, widely known by his nickname “Moha Jicho Pevu,” cautioned that political opponents have already begun spreading false information to undermine his campaign message and confuse voters.

“As we get closer to the campaign period, please be very cautious of the propaganda that will be sold to you by those who fear the change that is inevitably coming,” Ali wrote, specifically identifying a fraudulent social media account impersonating him that has been circulating misleading content.

The parliamentarian emphasized that despite these deliberate distractions, his campaign remains focused on his vision for Mombasa’s future. “Lies will get us nowhere. No matter their many attempts at distracting us, we remain focused on one mission: progress for Mombasa,” he stated.

Ali’s warning comes at a significant moment in Kenya’s coastal politics, as campaign activities are already intensifying across Mombasa County, despite the elections being more than a year away. Political analysts note that the early emergence of fake accounts and misinformation tactics reflects the high stakes in the region, which has traditionally been a competitive battleground during election cycles.

The Nyali MP’s political stock has risen considerably following a recent endorsement from Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka. During a well-attended rally at Kongowea in Mombasa on April 25, Musyoka confirmed that Ali will contest the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on a Wiper ticket in the upcoming elections.

“We have united to support this man who has served the people of Nyali Constituency and all of Mombasa,” Musyoka told supporters. Speaking in Swahili, he added: “This man who fears nothing and has no trace of corruption in his blood. His work has been to expose thieves. We have seen that he can transform the lives of Mombasa residents.”

Musyoka’s endorsement carried significant weight as he formally announced: “Therefore, I declare that Mohamed Ali, alias Jicho Pevu, will be given the Wiper Patriotic Front ticket to contest the seat. How many of you support this decision? Ah, he is already the governor.”

Political observers view the United Opposition’s decision to back Ali as a strategic move to consolidate their chances in Mombasa, which remains a key battleground in Kenyan politics. The coastal region, with its unique economic and social dynamics, has often played a decisive role in national elections.

Ali, who rose to national prominence as an investigative journalist known for exposing corruption and social injustices before entering politics, has positioned himself as a reform candidate focused on development and accountability. His nickname “Jicho Pevu” (meaning “sharp eye” in Swahili) stems from his former investigative television program, which gained massive popularity for uncovering government corruption and extrajudicial killings.

Digital rights experts warn that the spread of misinformation through fake social media accounts represents a growing threat to Kenya’s electoral integrity. With increased internet penetration and social media usage across the country, political campaigns are increasingly being fought online, creating new challenges for voters in distinguishing legitimate information from fabricated content.

As the campaign season gains momentum, election observers and civil society organizations are calling for heightened vigilance among voters and more robust measures from social media platforms to combat political misinformation.