Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho now says that he has already secured the backing of his fellow leaders from the Coast region ahead of his presidential bid.
Joho has since declared his interest in the top seat in the much anticipated 2022 general polls.
Speaking during Citizen TV's 7 PM bulletin on Thursday, Joho termed the same as the reason behind his exclusion of the leaders in his preparations, going ahead to handle and popularise his candidature by himself.
He added that his pursuit for the national seat calls for national measures, hence the move to instead reach out to national leaders, saying that he has already acquired the backing of among others, his Kilifi counterpart Amason Jeffa Kingi.
"Kule pwani siko mpweke. Pia Kingi in ndugu yangu na tumeshaongea (Kingi is like a brother to me, and I have already reached out to him. I have also reached out to many others)," he said.
Joho's declaration comes at a time when his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party seems to be fully eyeing the seat, following his co-deputy leader and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's similar declaration recently.
Also expected to be in the race is the party boss and opposition leader Raila Odinga whose four bids in the past have been futile, with his close allies hinting that he could make another attempt.
Joho who could face, among others, Deputy President William Ruto in the race is, however, yet to officially declare his bid and make clear his party of choice and possible running mate.