Former Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho has said he will fully take part in antigovernment protests when they resume.
He said he will ensure the coast region also fully takes part to protest the high cost of living.
“I have been out of active politics as I had health issues and now I am on the path to recovery,” he said.
Joho said the maandamano are currently on their first quarter and he will take part when they resume.
He was addressing the media after Eid-Ul-Fitr prayers to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadhan at Fahari Primary School in Mvita constituency, Mombasa county. This is Joho’s first public appearance after last year’s controversial presidential election.
The former governor refuted claims he declined to take part in the antigovernment protests and that he was scared after the presidential election results which favored William Ruto.
Joho cited health challenges which made him not be active in Azimio coalition politics but said that he is now ready to take part in the protests in the coast region when they resume.
He pointed out he is currently recovering but he is ready to take part in the maandamano against the government.
“Upon the resumption the antigovernment protests I will be on the forefront while Azimio leader Raila Odinga will be behind me when I will be leading the protests,” he said.
The former governor told the media he is not retired from active politics despite serving his two terms as county governor.
Joho cautioned his critics to stop dreaming that he has retired from active politics despite not being seen in the opposition political arena.
He told the media his loyalty to Raila is unquestionable and he will take part in the next antigovernment protests in the coast region and urged his critics to watch his space.
Joho warned those who have written him off in politics to do so at their own peril.
He said he has subscribed himself fully with the ideology of Raila insisting that Joho is Raila.
He lashed out at the government for making life unbearable due poor planning from its end.
“The government made this year’s holy of holy month of Ramadan more hard compared to previous years,” he added.
The former governor said a proper meal per person is currently Sh 700 compared to last year when it was Sh 300 during the fasting period.
He told journalists the high cost of living is pegged on the price of assorted foodstuff.
“Let the government come up with better methods of making life bearable to ordinary taxpayer,” he challenged.
By Mourice Seretta
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