A section of Kenyans on social media have expressed mixed reactions after Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan issued a statement, dismissing a publication by a local daily, that he is ready to work with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On Sunday, the governor issued a statement, saying:
"My attention is drawn to today’s headline on the Sunday Standard March 18th “Joho Changes Tune, To Work With Uhuru” and the follow up article on Page 19.
I wish to state that, while I remain committed to any process that pursues peace, unity and justice in Kenya, I have not held ANY conversation with any journalist on the issues in the article. I am further bewildered that there’s a headline article with a quote from me.
I wish to clarify, that I join my party leader in extending a hand of cooperation to our colleagues across the divide, however there are significant and substantive issues we still have to address as the leadership of this nation.
I am particularly optimistic that this engagement shall bear fruit on the issues in the memorandum signed by Rt Hon Raila Odinga and President Kenyatta.
The issues dear to me are lettered
d. Devolution; how to ensure counties are a tool for prosperity for alle. Divisive elections; the role elections play in our nation and how we conduct them
h. Shared prosperity; how to ensure no Kenyan is left behind.I also wish to state, that I remain deeply committed to restitution for affected parties and lost lives from the last elections. It remains an issue close to my heart. Thank you and God bless you all.
Hassan Ali Joho
Deputy Party Leader
ODM"
Below are reactions from Joho's Facebook followers about the same:
Beddie Njoroge
Joho you amateur in this.We don't recognise you. The handshake was between who is who in the country.You have a long way to travel my fren.And for your information to avoid future embarrassment, WILLIAM RUTO will trounce. Actually you are not a competitor.
Kevin Joseph
The handshake to me is going to bring more harm to this nation, how can we just bury our head in the sand celebrating a handshake, the problems that brought all these enmity must be addressed and solved once instead of playing with the word unity, Kenyans are always united but it is the hand shakers that divides us.
Rolihlahla Mapinduzi
Please don't support those goons... we still need you... you're our last hope... Raila Njuguna is a traitor. ..
Kobikatae Joseph
It is embarrassing and hurting just to come to realise what we were fighting for was just to enrich a few people. And because your party leader know very well that he has failed nasa fraternity he rushes to his backyard to try quell the angry supporters in his own vernacular language. He has fooled us period.
Jotham OtienoWhat I know is that Joho and RAO are like Siamese twins.....And take it for me RAO will pass the baton to you come 2022....with the slogan......Joho Tosha.
Henry Mathenge Githinji
JAKOM IS NASA AND NASA IS JAKOM, Jakom is ready to work with jubilee whether you follow him or not ,Jakom can hold a meeting in any part of Kenya and get people even if in Gatundu or othaya.Sultan hold any meeting outside Mombasa and tell me how many will attend
Philip Omuga
Thanks. I am particularly impressed by the manner in Which you handle political Issues.Kudos my former University comrade. May God continue showering you with wisdom,Courage and Vision in your leadership.
Anthony Odhiambo
Maybe the deal is just for some few individuals like you and Rao, but it's far away from those who lost their loved ones during the fracas
James Gitau
we don't need you to change tune....all we need is a changed Mombasa garbage at least reduce if not finishing the drug addicts........don't work with the government just do your part.