Coast will back Cord in next election, says Joho
What you need to know:
- Mr Joho also reiterated his assertion that President Uhuru Kenyatta should have reached out to him earlier.
- Joho's comments come against the backdrop of pledges by various leaders from the region that they would support the ruling Jubilee coalition in 2017.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has expressed confidence that the Coast region will vote for the Opposition in the 2017 elections.
Mr Joho also reiterated his assertion that President Uhuru Kenyatta — who he accused of snubbing him since his arrival at the Coast three weeks ago — should have reached out to him earlier.
His comment came against the backdrop of pledges by various political leaders from the region that they would support the ruling Jubilee coalition in 2017.
Among those who said they would support Mr Kenyatta were Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Likoni MP Mwalimu Mwahima.
As governor of Mombasa, where the President has been since December 24, Mr Joho said that it was only fair that the President acknowledge him as the host.
“We will make (our) way into the State House. Raila Odinga will be the President and Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta will be the official Opposition Leader come 2017,” said Mr, Joho, who is also ODM’s deputy party leader. Mr Odinga is the party leader.
He spoke at Chaani Primary School in Changamwe, Mr Joho, said that when the Opposition gets into power, Kenyans will forget issues of Eurobond among other scandals in government.
He also warned politicians from outside the region to regard others with respect and desist from inciting the youth against local leaders. This was in apparent reference to Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko who, during the ceremony to issue title deeds to occupiers of the Waitiki land, criticised Mr Joho, accusing him of disrespecting the President.
At the weekend, Mr Joho said: “These politicians think they can come here to campaign against us. If you think you can come and campaign against us, we can equally come and do the same in your constituency.”
He also told Jubilee that he could not be easily swayed into joining the party “like they have done with others.”
“The other day while in Likoni, (at the Waitiki land function) they (Jubilee) asked me to jump ship and join them, I will not be cowed or intimidated by cheap politics,” Mr Joho said.
