Mombasa governor Hassan Joho with Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo during the swearing-in ceremony of County executive members at Treasury squares on 16th November 2017. [Photo/ the-star.co/ke]
The political power game in Mombasa is shaping up ahead of the 2022 election with key politicians in the county set to face off in what promises to be a titanic battle in the gubernatorial race. As behind-the-scenes political maneuvers begin, there seems to be a new sheriff in town, Kisauni MP Ali Mbogo.Mbogo is a true example of a self-made politician who had to rely on his local political networks to dislodge the incumbent, Rashid Bedzimba.With no political godfather, the wealthy but philanthropic politician had to use his development record as a springboard to outsmart Bedzimba, which worked.The focus now shifts to 2022 where the lawmaker is keen to succeed Joho. If he plays his cards well, he might pull another surprise and win the seat. Though Joho has not spoken about his preferred heir, sources indicate that he is grooming Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir. However, other sources claim that Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Harub Khatri is his preferred choice. In the run to the August 8 election, Joho settled on university don William Kingi as his running mate. The Star reported that the decision to pick Dr Kingi was part of the succession plan.The daily said that the Governor preferred a deputy with no political clout so that his succession plan is not scuttled. However, the emergence of Mbogo as a strong political figure in Mombasa should be a cause for concern to Joho. Already, the lawmaker is laying the ground for 2022 with development being his main agenda.Though the MP is warming up to Joho in what many see as a political strategy with 2022 in mind, Mbogo has proved that he doesn't need anyone's blessings to win the seat. Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Mombasa County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published. http://bit.ly/2BipYa6