Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has termed his deputy's move to Jubilee Party 'democratic' and wished her well in the new challenge.
Hazel Katana, a rather quiet politician, ditched ODM on Saturday citing frustrations within the establishment as the main reason.
She will be running for Mombasa senatorial seat on a Jubilee Party ticket in August and exuded her confidence that she will clinch the seat.
"I don't see the reason why people are obsessed wit her move. We have political rights and I think she exercised that and that should not bother anyone," he said on Sunday.
"I don't this she will be of value to our opponents because this is an ODM zone. Their calculation is a bit weird because nothing concrete will be forthcoming," he added.
The deputy ODM leader is also facing a challenge from senator Hassan Omar and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti in August.
The stylish governor did not though give his next course of action after Katana's defection.