Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi has launched a scathing attack on Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho accusing him of instilling fear in residents and elected leaders.
Mwangi claimed Joho has sided with the government in silencing Mombasa residents and traders, who for the past 11 weeks, have been demonstrating against a to transport all cargo via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Early this year, the government announced that all containers from Kilindini harbour will be transported to Nairobi Inland Container Deport through SGR and banned use of trucks.
Mwangi alleged the governor has been benefiting from the SGR monopoly and was using his brother, Abu Joho, to threaten protesters to drop their demands.
"In Mombasa, Joho is a small god; he is both worshipped and feared. The sitting Senator, elected MPs and MCAs are all afraid of him. Joho has a brother, Abu, who’s rarely photographed and operates in the shadows. You cross Joho and Abu comes after you," Mwangi posted on Facebook.
"Apart from Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, who has openly said Joho is benefiting from the SGR deal, all the other elected leaders are silent, afraid to offend. The protest leaders have to walk a very thin line, protest, and be careful not to mention Joho’s name. They’re operating in a culture of fear. They would rather mention Uhuru Kenyatta but not demand that Joho speak to him," he added.
Mwangi, who on Monday joined the demonstrators in what has been dubbed 'Black Monday Protest', claimed Joho had earlier opposed the SGR cargo business, but later made an about-turn over selfish interests and 2022 politics.
"In his selfish calculation, he sees himself being appointed as a Cabinet Secretary after the 2022 elections, or a Deputy Prime Minister, in case the BBI (Building Bridges Initiative) proposes that position," the activist posted.