Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho with his Kilifi Counterpart Amason Kingi at a past function. Photo/standardmedia.co.ke
Four Coast governors are yet to name their running mates ahead of the August election. Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Kilifi’s Amason Kingi, Taita Taveta’s John Mruttu and Tana River’Hussein Dado have not disclosed who their deputies will be.Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya and Lamu’s Issa Timamy are the only governors with running mates. According to analysts, the choice of deputies is among the factors that will determine the outcome of the governor's race. The four incumbent governors and aspirants eying their posts are all in search of deputies from populous communities in a bid to win the support of the community members. Joho is still undecided on whom to pick as him running mate after parting ways with his Deputy Hazel Katana. Katana left Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to join President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee side as she seeks to clinch the senatorial seat.Kingi is also facing a similar problem after his deputy Kenneth Kamto decided to back Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro's gubernatorial bid. Sources close to Kingi indicate that he is looking for a running mate from Kaloleni, Kilifi South and Rabai constituencies to ensure that he retains his seat come August. Governor Mruttu is also facing a problem since his Deputy Mary Ndigha Mwanyumba-Kibuka is not likely to join him in the campaigns due to health issues. Tana River Governor Hussein Dado and his deputy Jire Siyat Mohammed are also not likely to walk together because of their political differences.