President Uhuru Kenyatta with Governor Hassan Joho during a past function. Photo: the-star.co.ke
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has revealed the root cause of the grudge between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during a rally in Tana River on Sunday, Joho said he fell out with the President over the manner in which the Waitiki farm squatters were treated by the government.
The ODM deputy party leader said he differed with Uhuru after he questioned why the squatters were asked to pay for their title deeds after the government paid off Mr Evanson Kamau Waitiki and divided the land among the locals.
“The President was categorical the squatters had to pay because Coast residents did not vote for him,” Joho said.
Last week, Uhuru attacked Joho during the launched on Mtongwe Ferry in Mombasa County.
The ODM Governor was blocked by GSU officers from attending the function.
"Why does he want to follow me? Am I his wife? He should tell people what he has done for them," Uhuru said.
He continued, “He should not play with us or else we will teach him a lesson."
Joho said he will only respect the President if he respects him.
“If you respect me I will respect you,” he said.
He added, “I am not a street urchin, I was elected by the people of Mombasa, I will not stop raising issues affecting locals.”
The Governor has been leading ODM rallies in the Coastal region in a bid to neutralise Jubilee’s recent three-day tour in the perceived Opposition stronghold.