There was a confrontation between Mike Sonko (then Nairobi senator) and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, a move that flared political differences between the two leaders publicly.
The January 2016 incident happened shortly before the launch of the coast chapter - national street lighting programme by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Makadara Grounds.
Known as “Powering Freedom,'' the Coast edition of the Sh1.2 billion project aimed at encouraging a 24-hour economy.
It would seem like it was Joho who was on the wrong for refusing to shake Sonko’s hand as the two, alongside Mvita MP Shariff Nassir and other leaders waited for Kenyatta to arrive for the presidential function.
However, it was Sonko (the now Nairobi county governor) who was on the wrong according to those who were close. They said After Joho turned down his handshake, he (Sonko) told him (Joho) “shoga wewe!”.
Angry Joho then reached for Sonko’s hand and had a tight squeeze on the bicep forcing the Mvita MP to intervene and prevent a possible fight between the two. Sonko then went ahead, greeted the rest of the leaders.
Differences between the two had been publicly witnessed as Uhuru presented title deeds to Waitiki land squatters at Shika Adabu grounds in Likoni, accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto.
The two argued, pointing at each other after Sonko accused Joho of allowing his friend to grab a parcel of public land in the county.
Several politicians allied to Joho such as Badi Twalib - Jomvu MP, slammed Sonko, warning him against intruding and publicly attacking Joho over coast issues since he was elected in a different county.