Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho surrounded by security officials at Nyali bridge on Monday. Photo/ the-star.co.ke
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has hit out at the Jubilee government for blocking him from attending the Mtongwe Ferry relaunch.
Addressing journalists in his office shortly after he was prevented from accessing town, Joho said it is unfortunate for him to be barred from attending a public event.
He said he has a right as the county governor to attend the function, as ferry services are a devolved function.
The outspoken governor linked the incident to his constant criticism of President Uhuru Kenyatta, adding that the Jubilee government opted to block him from attending the event as they were afraid that he would set the record straight regarding Uhuru's statements during the Sunday Tononoka rally.
“One of the reasons why they fear our presence there is because of what was said yesterday. They felt were going to get an opportunity to respond to their lies,” said Joho.
He bashed Uhuru for launching an old ferry, saying they decided to attend the relaunch only because it is an important transport facility in the county.
He accused the President of misleading residents by claiming the government had allocated Sh40bn to the county, saying his government had only received about Sh17bn since its inception.
The county boss further dismissed claims that he had intentions of disrupting the event, saying all he wanted to do was represent his people as well as inspect projects initiated by the county, such as upgrading the road that leads to the ferry.
He said he will not respond to abuses, adding that he will only engage in issues that affect the residents.
Joho termed the move to block him from attending the ferry relaunch as the highest order of backwardness, saying it came as a shock that the government still uses police officers to intimidate people.
He, however, said no amount of intimidation will prevent him form stating facts and defending the electorate.