Mombassa governor Ali Hassan Joho is likely to leave Raila’s party ODM for a yet-to-be-formed coastal political party.
KIVUMBI.co.ke understands Joho and close associates are worried he could be short-changed in ODM presidential nominations considering Raila Odinga has not ruled out vying for the presidency in 2022.
The new coastal outfit is backed by all three governors from Kilifi, Lamu as well as Mombasa with the blessings of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On Wednesday, March 24, Uhuru met the three at State House Mombasa to discuss the political party meant for coast people.
“On Wednesday we had a meeting with President Kenyatta at State House, together with my colleagues Joho (Mombasa) and Mvurya (Lamu),” Kilifi governor Amason Kingi is quoted by Standard Newspaper
Mombasa governor confirmed the meeting happened and that it was very productive without divulging the details of the meeting.
Interestingly, Mvurya, a key William Ruto ally at the coast had met Uhuru separately a day before the meeting involving the other governors who are all serving their second and last terms in office.
Questions were raised as to why Raila Odinga, a handshake partner of Uhuru, missed the meeting but ODM chairman John Mbadi said the opposition leader is isolating, having tested positive for COVID-19 recently.
The development comes at a time politicians are jostling to form alliances ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Ford-K, Wiper party, KANU and Amani party have formed One Kenya alliance, promising a fresh narrative in kenya’s highly divisive politics.
Deputy President William Ruto has said he is open to working with any national political party which subscribes to his pro-poor ideals.
Raila Odinga on the other hand has promised to unveil an alliance that will shock Kenyan, strongly hinting at working with Ruto.
The two have strongly condemned regional and tribal political parties whose leaders mostly bring nothing to the table.
