Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho 's Presidential bid has been dealt a huge blow after some of his close allies changed the tack and threw their weight behind the Governor 's rival in the 2022 General Election.
They are Suleiman Dori, Coast Parliamentary Group chairman, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari.
Speaking during an event to mark World Environment Day at Baraza Park in Kwale on Tuesday, the Governor's lieutenants supported the Deputy President William Ruto's Presidential bid, urging the County boss to forsake his ambitions for Ruto.
“No one can become president without cooperating with others from other regions and that is what we need to hear. This time round we want to be in government and we will work with a leader who wants to bring us development and that is none other than the DP,” said Mr Dori.
On his part Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari pledged to mobilise their staunch supporters to overwhelmingly support Jubille government in a quest to continue spearheading its mega development projects across a country.
“We have seen the projects that the government has brought to us and that is what we want to see going forward. We will support you but we insist that you continue with the spirit,” he said.
Mr Joho has on several occasions declared that he would vie for the top seat come 2022, saying that he would be the first Muslim leader to lead the country.
The change of allegiance by Joho's allies could complicate the political matrices in Coast, as the Governor enjoys unwavering support from the region.