Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho at a past function. Photo/ kenya-today.com
A section of political analysts have said that Governor Hassan Joho’s chances of retaining his seat in the forthcoming general election depends on how the National Super Alliance (NASA) is going to deal with his closest competitors.
According to the political observers, how the opposition will handle Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti will play an immense role in the gubernatorial race.
Although the opinion of the analysts remains divided, they all agree that Omar and Awiti cannot be ignored.
Prof Rocha Chimera, a renowned political analyst from Pwani University, argues that Joho will not have an easy day if the affiliated parties in NASA opt to field candidates differently.
According to Chimera, the governor will sail through easily if he is named the opposition candidate in the event of joint NASA.
“While Governor Joho remains a formidable force in Mombasa politics, his chances of being elected will be weakened if NASA fails to have a single candidate,” said Chimera.
On his part, Former Shirikisho Party national treasurer Mwakio Ndau disagrees with Chimera saying that Joho will retain his seat whether they hold joint NASA Nominations or not, adding that the win will however depend on how upcountry residents will vote.
“A large bloc of upcountry voters and specifically the Luo feel Governor Joho has been unappreciative of them and if they decide to back somebody else, the governor’s support will be greatly eroded,” he says.