Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho with NASA leader Raila Odinga [Photo/citizentv.co.ke]
Firebrand Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is continuing to make a political name for himself with his latest decision proving to be yet another turning point in his illustrious political career spanning over one decade.
At a time when the ‘swearing in’ ceremony for NASA leader Raila Odinga as President of Kenya had gained momentum, the venue for the event became the coalition’s biggest challenge.
The Attorney General Githu Muigai had warned that anyone who will take part in the ‘unlawful’ event will be charged with treason even as NASA governors who had been requested to provide the venue slowly ‘withdrew’ throwing the much-hyped event into a limbo.
But in an unexpected move, Joho rose to the occasion and declared that his county will play host to NASA’s controversial decision.
But the coalition would later make a U-turn and decided to ‘postpone’ the ‘swearing in’.
To many, the bold decision by the ODM deputy party leader did not come as a surprise considering the number of countless fights he has had with the Jubilee government over the past one year - he has been President Uhuru Kenyatta’s biggest critic.
His (Joho’s) frosty relationship with the central government came to the fore in the run to the August 8 poll when the credibility of his academic certificates was put in the spotlight with Jubilee said to be behind his woes.
Joho’s move has earned him praise from NASA supporters who say that the outspoken Governor has outshone his masters, the coalition principals.
The decision also allayed fears among NASA supporters that the firebrand county chief is warning up to Jubilee after maintaining a low profile in the coalition’s recent political activities.
With NASA leadership facing uncertain political future, the attention may slowly be shifting to 2022 where Joho is expected to throw himself into the ring in the Uhuru succession race. For him, his latest move gives him the precious head start ahead of the contest.