Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Mombasa County have sworn to maintain the governor’s seat in the party, predicting a fierce political duel ahead of the August 9 polls.
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho and Mvita MP Shariff Nassir, a gubernatorial aspirant, said campaigns had started after Ramadhan. They will move door to door to make sure residents vote ODM in all elective posts.
The ODM team condemned Wiper after endorsing Mike Sonko for the seat, notwithstanding their agreement on several issues under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party.
“We see some of our friends have decided to bring their fight to our backyard. We will use all our resources but peacefully to ensure Mombasa people get the next governor who knows their problems,” Governor Joho said.
Joho criticized Mike Sonko for what he termed as intruding into his political backyard as the succession race gathers momentum.
Speaking after Idd prayers, when hundreds turned up to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadhan, Joho said, “I took time since 2017 … to ensure I hand over to the right person, who is Mr Nassir. Whoever thinks he can come at the last minute to change the minds of our people through propaganda and money, [he should know] we are not that desperate to accommodate those who have been rejected elsewhere.”
Governor Joho added that he would ensure he leaves Mombasa County in good hands, attributing that to Mr Nassir. He also stated that since Wiper has decided to invade their territory, they shall begin their campaigns calling out residents of Mombasa to vote six-piece from presidential, with Raila as their candidate down to the county level.
Mr Shariff Nassir, while asking Kalonzo Musyoka to stop meddling in Mombasa politics, also claimed that the Wiper boss is fronting Mr Sonko to vie in the port city to fight ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“A month ago, I travelled with Mr Sonko. I heard he was sent to vie in Mombasa by Mr Musyoka, whom I would like to ask to stop creating chaos in Azimio la Umoja. He could have fronted his name to come and vie in Mombasa instead of sending his emissary,” lamented Nassir.
In his speech, Mr Shariff Nassir, who will fly ODM’s flag in the gubernatorial race, warned Mombasa residents against voting for UDA candidate Hassan Omar, saying he is not sincere.