Joho vows to continue defending Coast residents

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has been sworn into office for a second term in a ceremony attended by NASA leaders Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi.

Speaking after being sworn in, Joho accused the Jubilee government of frustrating his leadership during his first term in office.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could lead this kind of life. Mombasa is ready for takeoff and one of us must step up and go for the presidency. I will return here and ask for your blessings to go for the top seat,” Joho promised.

While promising not to relent in his criticism of the State, the former Kisauni MP noted that questioning national government policies should not make him a rebel.

“Mombasa has been exploited and treated poorly over the years and for this reason I have been harassed by state agents. I have spoken against the transfer of the port to Naivasha because most of you will lose jobs,” said Joho

“I fought for our squatters for them to be treated equally like their counterparts in other counties and in the process I have suffered and my accounts have been frozen but I have soldiered on, ” he said.

“We must be firm and respect the Constitution, I will continue to defend the people regardless of what it takes,” the newly-sworn in leader vowed.

In attendance was NASA leader Raila who lauded Joho’s huge win, 66 per cent of the votes cast,  saying that only good leadership can amount to such support.

Musalia Mudavadi, on the other hand, urged NASA supporters to be calm as the coalition seeks for nullification of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s win at the Supreme Court.

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi also congratulated Joho on his re-election and advised him to carry on with his good work that has endeared him to Mombasa residents.

“On behalf of Kilifi Residents I want to congratulate Governor Ali Hassan Joho on his re-election, let him finish the good work he has started,” Kingi said.