Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s recent absence from the Orange Democratic Movement campaigns is tactical to avoid a fallout in the opposition coalition Cord, observes Moi University lecturer Gideon Mamboleo.
Joho made headlines in September and October this year by single-handedly facilitating the ODM campaigns across the country sending a strong signal ahead of 2017 and 2022 polls.
And Mamboleo in an exclusive interview with this reporter said Joho’s rise was a threat to Cord co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula who are also keen on contesting for the presidency.
“I think Joho’s absence from ODM politics is tactical because we saw Raila’s co-principals expressing their dissatisfaction in the manner which ODM treated them especially on campaigns,” he said.
Mamboleo added: “His continued campaigning would have been detrimental for Raila’s quest since most of the opposition leaders would think that he was being groomed by Raila Odinga for 2022 presidential elections and that would have dismantled Cord.”
While he did not rule out Joho’s possible candidacy in 2022, the veteran political analyst faulted the move saying the opposition lacks flair and fluency without Joho.
“Even if it’s tactical and Joho is likely to run for the presidency in 2022, I don’t think the move was such good. He brings flair and consistency and ODM should not be worried about his steady rise at the expense of Cord unity but let’s see whether their thinking will work,” he added.