Sunday, April 8, 2012

Coast split over impact of Joho’s elevation


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Mvita MP Najib Balala (left) and his Kisauni counterpart Hassan Joho (right). Photo/FILE
Mvita MP Najib Balala (left) and his Kisauni counterpart Hassan Joho (right). Photo/FILE 
By MWAKERA MWAJEFA mwajefa@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Saturday, April 7  2012 at  22:30
Will Kisauni MP Hassan Joho’s elevation to assistant minister change Coast politics ahead of the General Election? And is his appointment and the sacking of Mr Najib Balala from the Tourism docket a boon for ODM?
While his supporters are positive that his position will reinvigorate the politics of the region, his opponents argue that things could get worse.
“From the Lamu archipelago to Lunga Lunga border post in Kwale County the name of Hassan Joho resonates with the locals,” claims nominated councillor Abdulhamid Abdulrahman (ODM).
The Transport docket, says Mr Abdulrahman, is dear to the coastal people due to its direct impact deriving especially from the Indian Ocean.
To the Joho camp, the sacking of Mr Balala spelt the end time for his political career and is bound to drastically reduce his influence despite the support he got from some Muslim quarters.
On Mr Balala’s exit, Mr Joho said: “It has brought more gain than loss to the party, and we will win all the seats from every county in the region”.
Former human rights commissioner Omar Hassan, who intends to challenge Mr Balala and Changamwe MP Ramadhan Kajembe for the Senate seat, said Mr Joho’s elevation is a manifestation of ODM’s confidence in his leadership.
“This appointment has given him more capacity to galvanise party recruitment and reach out to every corner of the region,” he says. But Kisauni political activist Amina Abdallah dismissed this position, saying the coming polls would be different.
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“No party politics, no euphoria or money power will determine who gets elected in the next General Election, but somebody’s character will carry the day,” she told the Sunday Nation.
Another of Mr Joho’s challengers for the governorship, Mr Ibrahim “Babangida” Hamisi, says those dismissing Mr Balala’s influence in the region are doing so at their own peril.
“It requires a bright mind and person to operate like Mr Balala who has the most appealing aura to attract votes outside this region because of his performance profile wherever he works,” he said.
Former Voi Mayor Anisa Mwakio said Mr Joho and new Tourism minister Dan Mwazo will have to go an extra mile to attract people to ODM.
Face big challenge
“If what we witnessed during the grassroots party elections in November is anything to go by, I am worried that under their stewardship ODM will face a big challenge to appeal to the masses,” she told the Sunday Nation.
But whether it is Mr Balala or Mr Joho at the helm, former Coast Development Authority MD Nesbert Mangale says the leaders have failed residents by always relying on “sycophancy” to remain relevant rather than play as equals with their counterparts from other regions.
“It pains me that our leaders can be kicked about like a ball during a crucial match like the forthcoming General Election,” he said.

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