On Saturday, Joho told off Jubilee in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s presence, saying that he was ODM’s deputy party leader and could not be expected to hit the campaign trail for their opponents.
“Sonko let me tell you, I am in ODM, you do not expect me to campaign for you when you are in Jubilee. That is the price of democracy. Don't get mad when I speak about ODM. You speak about Jubilee and me ODM,” the governor told Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko.
Yesterday Cord politicians who spoke to the Star said Joho demonstrated that the Coast is still in opposition chief Raila Odinga’s grip, despite Uhuru’s aggressive charm offensive.
Raila's spokesman Dennis Onyango said the Cord fraternity witnessed Joho take a stand against what he termed “a bullying and corrupt government that has a billion for every turncoat”.
He went on: “We assure the governor we noticed his principled stand and we don't take it lightly. It takes guts and faith in what Kenya can be to stand up against the moneyed, rejuvenated children of Kanu.”
Joho and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya are Raila’s ODM deputies and also considered key point men in Coast and Western respectively.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed said Joho was pushed to the wall to speak frankly to Uhuru after the President snubbed him for 16 days in his own county.
“We commend him for being forthright. Joho is Raila's deputy and governor for Mombasa and he must be respected,” Junet said.
Mbita MP Millie Mabona also praised Joho.
“For the sake of some, let me be clearer: Governor 001 Ali Hassan Joho, you have my respect! You have stood against mafisi alone. Ingawaje Deputy President anakuita ‘a fool never changes his mind,’ you have shown him you can hold your own. You are my hero of the day!" said Mabona.
There is anxiety in Mombasa over allegations that Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar is plotting to battle it out with Joho for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat.
The contest, which is likely to precipitate a falling out, will most likely be beneficial to Jubilee.
Already, a number of ODM elected MPs from the Coast have shifted their allegiance to Jubilee amid allegations that some were paid to switch loyalties.
President Kenyatta on Saturday distributed thousands of title deeds in Mombasa as DP Ruto insisted he would continue hosting cross-party delegations.
http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/01/11/raila-leads-joho-praise-for-telling-off-jubilee_c1273330?platform=hootsuite
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