Hassan Joho Resurfaces With a Brave Face

Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has emerged as a significant player in the Kenya Kwanza government while maintaining a low profile in national politics.

Currently, Joho plays a role in negotiating a truce between President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga. Sources recently spoke of his success in mediating a peace accord between the parties involved. Joho has now resurfaced on the political stage, this time focusing on the development of the Coast region and the concession of the ports of Mombasa, Lamu, and Shimoni. As his family has significant interests in the port of Mombasa, he is leading the effort of Coast leaders to discuss the concession of the ports with the president.

In an effort to bolster their collective power, Joho convened a crucial meeting with the entire Coastal leadership, including government officials from various counties. The gathering was aimed at establishing a strong alliance. The meeting was attended by county assembly chairpersons, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, members of EALA, as well as MPs and senators from the Coast. After the General Election, Joho temporarily left the country only to return after six months.

For his allies who relied on his political connections for business opportunities, there was an undeniable void left by his absence. However, there was hope that he would eventually resume his work where he had left off. Speaker Kingi together with MPs present including Kaloleni MP Paul Katana emphasised their unity on prioritising growth and development. They agreed to set aside party affiliations and work towards the development of the Coast region, including the revival of cash crops like coconuts and cashew nuts, as well as the revival of struggling industries.

Nyali MP Mohammed Ali also discussed the development issues concerning the Coast region. Mr Joho, the ODM deputy party leader, played a significant role in the Coast political scene, campaigning for his friends and assisting them in winning seats, including his successor Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.