[Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in a past event. He is likely to take over ODM. Photo/Nation]
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho could be facing a tough task of revamping ODM party, which at some point was the largest single political party in Southern Sahara.
Poor nominations, inability to handle internal wars and general disorganizations was the main undoing of ODM, whose representation in National Assembly drooped drastically to 65 from initial 99 in the last parliament.
And with an impending Raila Odinga retires from active politics and goodwill for Joho among ODM supporters, he is the likely successor of Odinga.
“It is unlikely that Odinga will be president given Friday’s outcome and this means that there will be the next crop of politicians to take over,” says outgoing North Mugirango MP Charles Geni.
He adds: Joho stands a good chance to steer the party ahead and his leadership is universal. He is the most popular ODM leader after Odinga.”
Having secured his reelection as Governor, Joho will go down the opposition history for challenging a sitting president.
Early this year, he had his security details withdrawn following an altercation with President Uhuru Kenyatta at a function in Mombasa.