Questions over Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho's One-Month Absence in the Country

The absence of Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho in the country has prompted residents to raise questions on how he is managing the county from abroad.

Joho has been out of the country for close to a month now, in what his spokesman says is an official trip to Europe.

On Friday, Mombasa residents led by Jubilee party activist Abdi Daib demanded that the Governor returns, saying that he left the county on “auto-pilot mode” to have fun abroad, leaving the county in a standstill.

Speaking in Mombasa, Daib and others issued a two-week ultimatum for the Governor to fly back to the country, failure to which they will institute proceedings to remove him from office.

 “He should not think he is indispensable. There are so many Kenyans who can do his work, including me. We cannot watch as Joho has fun outside the country while things get out of hand in the region,” said Daib.

“The county is dirty. Diseases like chikungunya have affected almost all residents yet you harbour ambitions to be President? My friend, we will not allow you to spread chikungunya to other parts of the country. We will not allow you to mismanage the nation,” said Abdi.

In a quick rejoinder, however, Joho's communication team accused those calling for his return of playing selfish politics noting that the Governor will return with goodies for the county.

“They want to get some fame by attacking the Governor. We will not respond to their issues because we all know Joho has been in Estonia on official duty,” said Richard Chacha, Joho’s Director of Communication.

“He is expected in the country this coming week. You will all see the surprise package the Governor will come with,” Chacha told The Star.