Nyali MP Mohamed Ali’s inner circle dragged into controversy as Kenya Ports Authority pursues millions in alleged rent and cargo arrears
Nyali MP and Mombasa gubernatorial hopeful Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Moha Jicho Pevu, has been thrust into an unfolding controversy after documents linked to a company associated with his close allies revealed a KSh43.59 million debt demand from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
At the center of the dispute is Somtrade Limited, a company whose shareholding and directorship records reportedly feature individuals closely linked to the outspoken legislator’s political camp.
While Mohamed Ali is not listed as a shareholder in the company, the emergence of his close confidant and personal assistant, Naeem Shafiq Mohamed, as a key shareholder has intensified scrutiny and raised questions about the company’s relationship with the MP’s inner circle.
KPA Demands KSh43.59 Million
According to documents circulating in Mombasa political and business circles, KPA issued a demand notice dated June 10, 2026, seeking KSh43,590,157.47 from Somtrade Limited over outstanding rental and cargo-related charges.
The debt is reportedly broken down as follows:
- Rental Lease Account No. 411200 – KSh25,142,410.00
- Cargo Account No. 103011 – KSh18,447,747.47
The total claim stands at KSh43.59 million.
The authority is said to have demanded payment within seven days, warning of possible legal action if the amount remained unpaid.
The dispute reportedly stems from a lease agreement entered into between Somtrade Limited and KPA on November 21, 2023, involving Shade 2 on Title Number Mombasa/Block/1/492.
Moha’s Close Ally at the Heart of the Storm
The controversy has gained political significance because of the individuals associated with the company.
Records cited in the documents reportedly show that Naeem Shafiq Mohamed, widely known in Mombasa political circles as Mohamed Ali’s trusted aide and close political confidant, is the largest shareholder in Somtrade Limited with 30 shares.
Other shareholders listed include:
- Ibrahim Bagajo Karayu – 25 shares
- Mohamed Ibrahim Abdi – 25 shares
- Suleiman Ibrahim Surrow – 20 shares
Naeem’s proximity to the Nyali MP has made it difficult for political observers to separate the controversy from Mohamed Ali’s broader political brand, particularly given the legislator’s long-standing anti-corruption and accountability stance.
Payment Plan Rejected
Documents referenced in the dispute indicate that Somtrade Limited allegedly sought approval from KPA for a structured payment plan to settle the outstanding arrears.
However, KPA reportedly declined the request, maintaining that the authority operates on a cash-based model and does not extend credit facilities for its services.
The authority is also said to have argued that the outstanding debt had accumulated over an extended period and was inconsistent with established operational policies.
The reported rejection of the payment proposal has added a new dimension to the controversy, suggesting that the dispute has escalated beyond routine commercial disagreements.
Former Mombasa Trade CEC Also Linked
Further attention has been drawn to the involvement of Mohamed Ibrahim Abdi, a former Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Trade during former Governor Hassan Joho’s administration.
Abdi is reportedly listed among the company’s directors and shareholders, creating a mix of political and business interests that has fueled speculation within Mombasa’s political landscape.
Observers note that the presence of both a senior political aide and a former county executive in the same company raises legitimate public interest questions regarding influence, access, and accountability.
Tough Questions for Moha Jicho Pevu
The controversy comes at a sensitive political moment for Mohamed Ali, who has built much of his public profile around exposing corruption, demanding accountability, and challenging powerful interests.
Critics now argue that the revelations place the spotlight closer to home.
Although there is no evidence that Mohamed Ali holds shares in Somtrade Limited or was directly involved in its operations, questions are emerging over whether he was aware of the company’s dealings with KPA and the growing debt allegedly owed to the authority.
Political analysts say the issue is less about direct ownership and more about perception, particularly when individuals considered part of a politician’s inner circle become entangled in major financial disputes involving public institutions.
How Did the Debt Grow?
One of the most significant questions emerging from the saga concerns how a debt of more than KSh43 million accumulated under an authority that reportedly operates on a cash-payment basis.
Critics have questioned whether there were delays in enforcement, whether warning signs were ignored, or whether the company was allowed to continue operating despite mounting arrears.
The answers to those questions may prove crucial in determining whether the matter remains a commercial dispute or evolves into a broader examination of governance and oversight within the port sector.
Political Fallout Looms
For Mohamed Ali, the issue threatens to become more than a financial dispute involving associates.
As a public figure who has consistently positioned himself as a champion of transparency and accountability, any controversy touching individuals within his closest political circle is likely to attract heightened scrutiny.
With Mombasa’s political temperatures already rising ahead of future electoral contests, the KSh43.59 million KPA demand has the potential to become a major talking point in the county’s political discourse.
Whether the matter is resolved through payment, legal action, or public clarification, one thing is certain: the controversy has placed Moha Jicho Pevu’s camp under an uncomfortable spotlight.
And until the questions surrounding Somtrade Limited, Naeem Shafiq Mohamed, and the KPA debt are fully answered, the political storm is unlikely to fade away.
