Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim has endorsed Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho for a second term in office ahead of the 2017 general election.
Speaking on Sunday shortly after leading a consultative meeting with the Somali business community at Mombasa's Sarova Whitesands Hotel, the former legislator challenged the community to support Governor Joho in next year's polls.
He said Joho is best suited candidate for the county's top seat.
"I have led a consultative meeting with the Somali community and deliberated on a wide range of issues including the need to vote back Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho," said Maalim.
The former Lagdera MP also used the opportunity to drum up support for opposition chief Raila Odinga.
Governor Joho is a facing stiff competition in the Mombasa gubernatorial race from current Senator Hassan Omar, Nyali MP Hezron Awiti, renowned businessman Suleiman Shabhal and former Kisauni MP Ananiah Mwaboza.