With slightly over two years remaining to the end of his second and final term as Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho has left his supporters and rivals alike guessing on his political future past 2022.
In the past, he had declared his intention to view for President after 10 years at the helm of Mombasa's political leadership.
However, over the past few months, he has become very moderate in his political ambitious, avoiding to speak on his political future. His game plan remains a puzzle, at least for now.
Now a totally changed man from the Joho of 2017, who had run-ins with President Uhuru Kenyatta, the ODM deputy leader has become a key supporter of the President. Perhaps this explains his new style of politics.
A key ambassador of the handshake between President Kenyatta and his party boss Raila Odinga, Joho could be calculating on how to fit into the next political matrix, if any. His political stature will surely earn him a place in the next government if he plays his cards well.
Now as a political gentleman, the governor may have learnt that good things require patience and that let your enemies not know your plans. May be with this in mind, his future may best be known to himself.
Having closed ranks with his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi following times of rumoured looming fallout coupled with close ties with Raila and Uhuru, Joho's political worries may well be behind him.