President Uhuru Kenyatta will officially welcome Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana to the Jubilee Party during an event slated for Thursday.
This comes after Katana fell out with Governor Hassan Joho.
Speaking during an interview with The Star, Mombasa County Jubilee chair Matano Chengo said Katana will meet the Head of State on Thursday, as she strategises on how to succeed Senator Hassan Omar who has declared interest in the county's gubernatorial seat.
Chengo termed Katana’s move to Jubilee as a big blow not only to Joho but also Cord principal Raila Odinga who is seeking to unseat Uhuru in the August 8 polls.
Katana's decision to ditch the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has changed the political temperature in the region.
Speaking at Lohar Hall Mombasa on Saturday when she announced her defection, Katana said Joho and other leaders denied her an opportunity to take part in the affairs of the county.
She said the mistrust and disrespect Joho accorded her made her reconsider their union before defecting to Jubilee.
“I was called stupid, worthless and valueless. Now I have found a voice,” she said.
Joho, however, termed Katana’s defection as inconsequential.