With four years remaining to the next general election, the battle to succeed Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is expected to be one of the hotly contested elections in the history of the Coastal city.
Nyali MP Ali Mbogo has already set his foot on the gas and is ready to make a political statement that he is no longer a pushover in Mombasa politics especially after defying all odds to defeat veterans in he 2017 poll.
Despite the ongoing political maneuverings in the cunty, Mombasa-based lawyer Yusuf Abubakar believes that a candidate who will vie on a popular party in the region and with Joho's backing, stands chance to win the seat.
According to the lawyer, for the sake of protecting Joho's family interests after his tenure, the Mombasa governor is most likely going to back a trusted ally for the position.
To Abubakar, Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Kharub Khatri stands out as the man who will receive Joho's blessings to go for the top seat.
"When you look at the history of three prospective aspirants, Khatri stands out as the most loyal to Joho. Remember that Nassir (Mvita MP) was once seen as very close to President Kenyatta when Joho could not see eye to eye with the Jubilee mandarins. The Joho's don't forget easily," said Abubakar.
Since his election as regional Parliament Speaker, Khatri has been very close to Joho and has often attended most of his functions.