I’m still very strong in the ODM party and ready to offer myself to vie for the Presidency in 2027, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho declared Sunday.
After many months of silence, Joho made a surprise entry into the Tropical Hotel where ODM leader Raila Odinga was celebrating his birthday.
He was said to be out of the country.
Earlier on, during a luncheon at Joho’s residence in Malindi, most people questioned Joho’s absence and doubted his allegiance to the ODM party.
“I am strongly in ODM and behind Baba. Let us not listen to people who want to create division in our party. ODM is still the strongest party in Africa,” said Joho.
The ODM deputy party leader said he is ready to face anyone in the presidential elections.
Joho was responding to other leaders who asked Raila to go for the presidency in 2027.
“I am very ready at any time to vie for the presidency should you feel that you need someone to vie,” he said
Kilifi South Member of Parliament Ken Chonga urged Raila to make sure he is on the ballot in 2027.
Chonga said Raila is still strong to vie.
“Baba you are too young to ditch politics. We want you in the ballot box in 2027 and I am confident you will win this seat,” said Chonga
Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe who also attended the party said Raila is still the candidate for the Azimio La Umoja coalition.
Murathe said age comes with wisdom.
“In Malaysia, they elected Mahathir Mohamad as Prime minister at the age of 93 and he steered the country to greater heights. He was older than Raila,” he said
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi said Joho has been the pillar of ODM in the Coast region.
Mnyazi who was the host MP said people who want to see disunity in the party have created a narrative that Joho no longer supports the party.
“The party is intact and Joho is in constant touch with the leaders in the region. His silence does not mean he does not support the party anymore,” she said
Joho said he was out of the country to attend to personal issues.
He said he would lead a membership recruitment drive to strengthen the party.
Other leaders who graced the event are Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kilifi deputy governor Flora Chibule, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, MPs Ken Chonga (Kilifi South), Amina Mnyazi (Malindi), Harry Kombe (Magarini) Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni) among other leaders.