An MP has said the absence of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho will not derail development in the devolved unit.
Mombasa Women Representative Aisha Hussein Mohamed said on Tuesday the county has competent leaders with the ability to steer development in the absence of the Governor.
"Some leaders have been spreading propaganda that the county is collapsing because the Governor who is away has abandoned it," she said as she addressed the press in Mombasa.
"The tour is beneficial. He is engaging investors who we are banking on to establish businesses in Mombasa. Besides, there is Deputy Governor Dr William Kingi who has everything required to manage the affairs of the county. I am here as a leader and there are MPs as well as MCAs. Which leadership do you need again?" she added.
Joho is said to be away in Estonia and his absence has raised eyebrows within political circles especially in Mombasa.
His Deputy Dr William Kingi is the one who has been running the county affairs.
However, Mombasa County Director of Communications Richard Chacha last week dismissed the claims, stating that the county boss returned to the country during the Easter holiday.
“The governor is around, he came back during Easter. These reports that he was away for pleasure are all false information. In fact, his trip has been for business to foster partnerships with foreign investors for the Mombasa County,” said Chacha.
“He has been working throughout, and even though he was away he was corresponding with the Deputy Governor on work matters, and people should know with technology one is able to work even if they are out of the country," he added, as quoted by Nairobi News.