Leaders in Mombasa have criticised Governor Hassan Joho over the eviction of hawkers from the Likoni Ferry Channel.
The leaders, led by Nyali MP Hezron Awiti and Former Kisauni MP Ananiah Mwaboza, have faulted the county governments approach on the issue, arguing that the MCAs who passed the motion were influenced by the governor.
Speaking on Monday, political analyst Professor Hassan Mwakimako claimed the move was part of Joho's strategy to frustrate the 20,000 sellers, who are said to be migrant voters, in a bid to ensure they do not vote in next year's poll.
Mwakimako claimed the governor considers the hawkers as a threat, and was thus plotting to get rid of them.
"Some genuine hawkers who overwhelmingly voted Joho in, are now crying foul. They have been clasped on the net courtesy of migrant hawkers. Most of them are Jubilee supporters, who registered in Mvita and Nyali, strategically planted to vote Joho out," said Mwakimako as quoted by The Star.
However, Richard Chacha, the county director of communication, has rubbished the claims saying the MCAs were not coerced into passing the motion.
Chacha said the move was not political, as it was aimed at de-congesting and cleaning the city, as well curbing the rising cases of insecurity.