Nyali MP Mohamed Ali…Photo/IP
MOMBASA, Kenya
A political storm is brewing at the Coast after Nyali MP Mohamed Ali accused local authorities of sabotaging voter registration efforts by tearing down civic awareness billboards across the county.
The Nyali legislator said at least three billboards promoting voter registration were pulled down on the night of April 6 in Buxton, Ferry and Kibarani areas—actions he described as deliberate and coordinated intimidation.
According to the MP, the billboards carried a non-partisan civic message urging citizens to register as voters ahead of the next election cycle.
The message called on Kenyans to actively claim their democratic rights through the ballot.
Ali insisted the campaign was lawful and executed through licensed advertising vendors, but claimed those same vendors were later threatened, forcing the removal of the content.
“This is an outright abuse of power and suppression of civic space,” he said, arguing that the move violates constitutional protections on freedom of expression and undermines public participation in governance.
The outspoken MP further alleged that pressure extended beyond billboards to digital advertising platforms, with operators reportedly warned against airing similar voter awareness messages.
Ali pointed fingers at elements within the Mombasa County Government, though officials had not immediately responded to the accusations.
Framing the incident as more than a political dispute, the MP warned of a broader attempt to suppress voter turnout in a region historically marked by low registration numbers.
He has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to investigate what he termed interference with legitimate civic education efforts.
“This is not about one candidate—it is about the people’s right to freely choose their leadership,” he said.
The controversy is expected to heighten political tensions in Mombasa County as the country edges closer to the next general election, raising fresh concerns over the protection of civic messaging and democratic space.
