The race to succeed Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho come the next general election may be one of the most fierce political battles ever to be experienced in the Coastal city.
Whereas Joho is seen as a determinant factor in that race that may see heavyweights face off, the battle may just go beyond the ODM deputy party leader.
Already, Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo his declared his intentions to go for the seat, most likely on Jubilee Party having been Deputy President William Ruto's staunch supporter in Mombasa.
Then there is Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, the Mvita MP and Joho's trusted ally. A political heavyweight in his own rights, Nassir is no pushover in Mombasa politics and in the Joho succession race.
Then there is County Assembly Speaker Kharub Kharti, another Joho close associate who is rumoured to be the Governor's preferred successor.
In what promises to be a battle between two Joho associates to bag the ODM ticket to run for Mombasa Governor seat come the next general election, it will be Kharub vs Nassir.
What are the permutations? It will not be an easy ride for the unknown but influential Kharub especially when facing Nassir who has acquired his political muscle under Joho to master the game.
Whatever happens, the Parliamentary Public Investments Committee chairman who comes from a political family, may spoil the party for Joho and confirm that he is a no pushover in Mombasa politics.
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