Mombasa governor Hassan Joho has been under pressure to name his preferred successor as his term comes close to an end.
All eyes are on Hassan Joho as his close ally and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir eyes the gubernatorial position.
Also Hassan Joho’s loyal deputy William Kingi is also eyeing the seat on an ODM ticket.
Other than the two, Mombasa tycoon Suleiman Shabhal, who is Joho’s long-term competitor is also seeking to succeed the governor, having joined ODM party from Jubileee.
The three horses have put Joho in a dilemma to choose his preferred successor since all of them have drawn close to Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.
On September 27, Joho responded to calls to declare his preferred successor in the presence of Shariff Nassir and his deputy William Kingi.
“My brothers who are fighting for the governor’s seat, may God wish you well. Let them fight for their positions. I have done enough and next year I will leave the office,” Joho said.
Not only Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is facing the dilemma on his successor, but also the ODM Party.
The three contestants are members of the ODM Party, and this will pose a nomination headache to Raila Odinga.
The ODM boss is torn in between rewarding Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir who has been a loyal supporter of ODM or Suleiman Shabhal, who recently defected from Jubilee and is considered a key party financier.
Being a renowned businessman, Shabhal has the financial power and influence to fly the ticket given that he has contested for the gubernatorial position twice.
As the leaders battle for Mombasa Governorship, the coastal politicians have fronted Joho for a position in the national stage.
The politicians announced that Joho will no longer contest for the presidency against the ODM leader, but instead eye a powerful position in Raila Odinga’s government.
