[Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho during a rally in Narok. His steady focus of fighting for land allocation issues is said to have made him popular. Photo/Nation]
A decade ago, nobody could have taken seriously Mombasa governor Hassan Joho’s political influence as it is today.
In as many meetings opposition leader Raila Odinga addresses, he is often compelled to mention Joho whenever he is not present during those rallies.
But according to Gideon Mamboleo, Joho’s appeal in national platform could be attributed to his vicious fight against establishment which his people think has infringed their rights especially land ownership.
“He has stand out as one of the leader who has fought against oppression of coastal community and demanded their rights especially land ownership and this makes him popular,” he said in an interview.
“He was further favoured by President Uhuru Kenyatta who has been attacking him. Despite the state machinery, Joho has always stood firm and maintained his innocence,” added Mamboleo on Thursday.
For the last six months, Joho has been locked out of presidential functions in Mombasa for two occasions and even had his security details withdrawn due to differences with Kenyatta.
The ODM deputy leader has been single handedly funding campaigns and his popularity within the orange party has caused jitters even from his perceived rivals among them DP William Ruto.