Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has moved to neutralise the popularity the Deputy President William Ruto’s which he has gained during his frequent visits to the Coast by meeting all the region’s ward representatives in Mombasa.
Some Members of the County Assembly from Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Taita-Taveta and Kwale counties confirmed they would attend Joho’s call despite of political affiliation.
The quest for unity between Mr Joho and his Kilifi counterpart, Mr Amason Kingi, also got a boost, following reports that the latter will attend the event.
Both coastal leaders have shown interest for the top seat come 2022 as they approach their last term as governors in their respective constituencies.
Deputy President Ruto has visited the six Coast counties for 10 times since the March 9 “handshake”, and appeared to created good rapport with some local leaders who have also vowed to back him up for the presidency. Mr Kingi has also attended some of Mr Ruto’s events.
According to reports, Mr Joho’s does not seem happy with some local politicians backing Ruto and now wants to work directly with the MCAs to consolidate his base.
According to a source close to the governor said, “That is why the governor has decided to fund the meeting with MCAs because they have a huge say at the grass roots and could make matters difficult for the MPs, as happened to those who defected to Jubilee before last year’s election.”
The MCAs have also indicated that the supremacy battle between the two governors could derail the region’s unity and development, and scuttle their bids for the presidency.
Thirty-three MCAs from Taita-Taveta said they would attend the meeting since it was called by their deputy party leader.
Majority Leader Jason Tuja said: “We respect Governor Joho because he is our (ODM) deputy party leader. So we will honour the invite.”
Mr Tuja said the MCAs did not know the agenda of the meeting but vouched for unity between the region’s leaders.
Mboghonyi MCA Jones Maskuj said they were discussing an agenda to present to the meeting from Taita-Taveta county.
The Jubilee member said they had no objection to attending the meeting, in the spirit of the “building bridges” initiative.
He further added saying, “We embraced the handshake between our party leaders. We have no problem with Governor Joho’s invite.”
But Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako warned that the rivalry between Mr Joho and Mr Kingi could complicate unity.
“The moment we start having this kind of division, we lose our common stand. The two governors must work together for this region’s benefit in 2022,” he said.
Kayafungo MCA Alphonce Mwayaa, the Kilifi Assembly majority chief whip, said they will consult Mr Kingi before attending the meeting.
He added that all Kilifi MCAs must rally behind their governor. All the MCA from Lamu MCAs confirmed their attendance. Majority Leader Yahya Ahmed confirmed that they had received a special invitation from Mr Joho, but did not know what would be discussed.
“Hindi Ward MCA Anab Haji also confirmed her attendance.
“All of us decided to attend the meeting since we received an official communication from Governor Joho. The letter didn’t disclose the agenda but that will not prevent us from attending,” Ms Haji said.