President Uhuru 'Invites' Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to a New 'Fight'

President Uhuru could have invited a new battle front with Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho after he told traders at Kongowea market to stop paying taxes to the county government.

Speaking at Kongowea market on Monday, the President asked the traders at the market, which was refurbished by the national government at a cost of Sh320 million, not to pay levies to the county.

“This market was built by money from the national government. It was built for the traders and not for an individual. We will investigate and see if it’s not being used well,” the President, who was accompanied by his deputy William Ruto and Nyali MP Mohamed Ali said.

“Do not pay until you get services. I am asking police officers here not to be used to harass and arrest the traders who will not pay the taxes,” he added.

He further ordered for the arrest of any county officials found harassing the traders.

“County askaris should leave you alone. This market was built through funds from the national government,” he said, adding that the National Youth Service (NYS) will be deployed starting next week to clean the market.

Kongowea is the main market for fresh produce in the coastal city and one of the main revenue collection point for the county government.

The orders by President Uhuru are likely to open a fresh avenue for confrontation with Joho, who has engaged the President in war of words in numerous occasions in the past.