Hassan Joho and his Deputy Dr Kingi taking oath of office as Governor and Deputy respectively, August 22, 2017. [Photo|Hassan Joho]"To the Beautiful people of Mombasa, You are my family, ASANTE.MVITA, ASANTE.JOMVU, ASANTE.CHANGAMWE, ASANTE.LIKONI, ASANTE.NYALI, ASANTE.KISAUNIIIIIIIII – ASANTE KISAUNI.I stand here humbled with absolute overwhelming gratitude. You have once again put your trust in me. In my hands, in the hands of a once young boy from a humble home who did not believe in his wildest dreams that this kind of life was possible. But you, the people of Mombasa made this possible. This victory is not mine alone. This victory is dedicated to the children of this Nation. All of you. Each and every one of you who has ever had a doubt in your mind of your greatness and capacity to succeed, know that I was you and this is me now.My career in the field of serving my people is driven by the dreams in your hearts. And your belief in me has moved me in ways unwordly. I can safely say to you now my people that the way you believe in me is the way I believe in you. And my journey will be your journey.Our mother Mombasa, continues to be a major contributor to the greatness of Kenya, but has unfortunately been exploited and treated poorly over the years. It is no secret that Mombasa is ready for takeoff if only we could pull together. We are all stakeholders in the growth and management of our affairs.We have taken in so much pain, both tangibly and figuratively. But over the past 41/2 years we have fought unphased for the dignity and the wellbeing of Mombasa and it’s inspiring people. We have worked tirelessly, side by side with many talented intelligent individuals from different walks of life, different backgrounds, every single day to undo all the injustice that has been thrown into our County.And there have been obstacles. From Port activities being moved to Naivasha, I stood firmly against it to protect your jobs. I defended with all my might the squatters to be granted land as everyone has the Constitutional right to land. I withstood humiliation, My accounts being frozen, bodyguards withdrawn. The Armed Forces ordered to intimidate me. I have been forced in and out of Court for the past four years.All of this and more would have taken it’s toll on me. But the STRENGTH, the PERSERVERANCE and the undying power of my people reflected on me. My people of Mombasa, you have kept me standing steady, always hopeful and unphased. I did it all for you. I strive to be your SIMBA because the lion protects the jungle.And I promise you with all these witnesses, that I will not stop protecting you and this beautiful County of Mombasa. My chosen style of leadership is very much influenced by the enlightenment era and the idea that being an effective leader within a democracy is ensuring that the citizens and the Constitution is protected and uplifted above all else. I believe strongly in letting my people know that criticizing an Administration (PAUSE) is not being a rebel but in turn practicing your Constitutional right. It is mandatory to know that patriotism is not about blindly following but about questioning with the intent to protect the people of your Nation as a whole.Moving forward, my team and I have set in stone goals for Mombasa to thrive and continue to grow. We plan to focus on Youth Employment and empowerment through creating opportunities that will encourage talent, entrepreneurship and rehabilitation. We will also not forget that the environment in which we live reflects the way we live. And so with that said, maintaining and managing a sustainable environment both for the comfort and the health of our people is crucial. We will continue to invest in the drastic improvement of Security within our County to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure. Everything we do and the processes we follow shall be led by our Constitution and nothing else.I thank God today for recognizing my intention, for keeping me patient and for always protecting me. Mombasa, I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support. I plan to serve you for the next five years with everything I have in me (PAUSE) to ensure the prosperity of our home. I shall then return to you to seek your mandate to vie for the Presidency - of Kenya. I will ask the people of this great Country, to judge me truly by the content of my character (PAUSE) and not along the tumultuous lines of tribal divide, religion or anything that has caused catastrophies across our Country. A courageous pioneer must come forward from among us in order to turn this around for a better more united Nation. I will present myself to be that person. This ambition is deeply rooted in the notion that I find to be ever true, that all of our children, (PAUSE) girls and boys, no matter what tribe, (PAUSE) religion, (PAUSE) and social standing can be the forward thinking leaders of this Country. I believe viciously and irrevocably in the potential of our youth. And this belief will guide me in my leadership.Thank you once again, Mombasa for choosing me to be your faithful leader. God bless you, God bless Kenya.ASANTENI SANA."

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