Nyali MP and Mombasa gubernatorial hopeful Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Moha Jicho Pevu, has found himself at the center of growing scrutiny following the emergence of documents linking a company associated with his close allies to a KSh43.59 million debt claim by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
At the heart of the dispute is Somtrade Limited, a company whose shareholding and directorship records reportedly feature individuals closely associated with the outspoken legislator’s political camp.
Although Mohamed Ali is not listed among the company’s shareholders, attention has focused on the involvement of his long-time aide and personal assistant, Naeem Shafiq Mohamed, who is identified as a major shareholder in the firm.
KPA Seeks KSh43.59 Million
According to documents circulating within Mombasa’s political and business circles, KPA issued a demand notice dated June 10, 2026, seeking KSh43,590,157.47 from Somtrade Limited over alleged outstanding rental and cargo-related charges.
The claimed amount 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 amount demanded stands at KSh43.59 million.
KPA is said to have directed the company to settle the outstanding balance within seven days, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
The dispute reportedly relates to a lease agreement entered into on November 21, 2023, between Somtrade Limited and KPA for the use of Shade 2 located on Title Number Mombasa/Block/1/492.
Close Ally’s Involvement Raises Questions
The matter has attracted significant public and political interest due to the identities of individuals associated with the company.
Records cited in the documents reportedly show that Naeem Shafiq Mohamed, widely known in Mombasa political circles as a trusted aide and close confidant of Mohamed Ali, holds 30 shares in Somtrade Limited, making him the company’s largest shareholder.
Other shareholders listed include:
- Ibrahim Bagajo Karayu – 25 shares
- Mohamed Ibrahim Abdi – 25 shares
- Suleiman Ibrahim Surrow – 20 shares
Naeem’s close association with the Nyali MP has fueled debate among political observers, with some questioning whether the controversy could have implications for Mohamed Ali’s public image, particularly given his long-standing advocacy for accountability and the fight against corruption.
Proposed Payment Plan Reportedly Rejected
Documents linked to the matter indicate that Somtrade Limited allegedly sought approval from KPA for a structured payment arrangement to clear the outstanding arrears.
However, KPA is said to have declined the request, maintaining that the authority operates on a cash-based model and does not provide credit facilities for its services.
The authority reportedly argued that the debt had accumulated over a prolonged period and that allowing such an arrangement would be inconsistent with its operational policies and financial procedures.
As of publication, neither Somtrade Limited nor Mohamed Ali had publicly responded to the claims contained in the documents.
The matter is expected to attract further attention as stakeholders seek clarification on the status of the alleged debt and the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
