Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has spoken publicly for the first time about a health ordeal that kept him away from the political scene for close to nine months.
In a candid address on Saturday, August 2, the former investigative journalist revealed that a severe knee condition had pushed him to step back from public life, saying the illness nearly cost him his life.
“I’ve been very quiet these past nine months. Some people thought I had vanished from politics, others assumed I was avoiding taking a stand. But once you get seriously ill, everything else is secondary,” Ali shared with us.
The MP disclosed that between December 2024 and May 2025, he underwent three surgeries on his knees two in Kenya and one in India as part of an aggressive process of recovery.
“Things came to the point that I couldn’t do what Kenyans wanted me to do. I had to make a decision between my health and politics, and I decided to concentrate on recovering,” he declared.
Ali indicated that he’s now fully recovered and gradually regaining stamina, albeit full recovery will require another few months.
“I’ve commenced walking again.”I had to choose between my health and politics, and I chose to focus on getting better,” he said.
Ali shared that he’s now back on his feet and slowly regaining strength, though full recovery will take several more months.
“I’ve started walking again. God willing, by December I’ll be able to run,” he added with cautious optimism.
His health troubles began late last year when he injured his knee during the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games held in Mombasa. On December 27, 2024, he confirmed the injury and announced he had undergone surgery.
“After the injury I sustained during the EAC games, I had a successful surgery. But doctors advised that I’d need at least three months of limited mobility to heal properly,” he stated at the time.
Ali temporarily suspended all public and political engagements but assured constituents in Nyali that his office would continue to function.
“I ask for your prayers as I recover. I hope to return stronger. Mungu wa kwetu sote,” he said in a message to supporters.
The MP’s disclosure now puts to rest speculation surrounding his long absence and marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a steady return to active leadership.