As 2022 election starts to gain momentum, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is finding himself in an awkward political dilemma even as he eyes the presidential seat.
Before 2017 election, Joho, a key ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, was the undisputed Coast region political kingpin. But times change. The vocal county chief is now left fighting for his space in the local politics as new realignments emerge.
With Deputy President William Ruto slowly succeeding in swinging the region into the Jubilee formation to springboard his own presidential bid come 2022, Joho might become the biggest victim of the Ruto tidal wave that is sweeping across the region.
On Saturday, Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori, a new Ruto ally in the region asked the Governor to consider supporting the DP in order to remain relevant in Coast politics.
"You cannot achieve your dreams without seeking the support of everyone. You cannot rely on votes from a section of the community to win the presidency.You should work closely with others so that we can walk together as team," Dori said in Kisauni when he attended Ruto's meeting.
So what next for Joho? With nearly all allies running to the DP's fold, the ODM deputy party leader will now have to make a choice on whether to decamp from the Raila Odinga-led party or stick with the Prime Minister.
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