Coast

UDA politicians defend EALA MP Sarai after criticism over Joho backing

Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is pictured with EALA MP Hassan Omar Sarai on March 17, 2024. (Photo: X/Hassan Omar Sarai)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Joho wants to succeed opposition chief Raila Odinga in leading the Orange Democratic Movement.

A section of Mombasa County members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has defended Vice Chair Hassan Omar Sarai's decision to endorse former Governor Hassan Joho as the next ODM leader.

Joho wants to succeed opposition chief Raila Odinga in leading the Orange Democratic Movement. Raila, also the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, has his sights set on the African Union Commission (AUC) chair post.

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Sarai is Mombasa's former senator and a member of Parliament for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The faction standing with him is opposed to the views of a group allied with Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, which it accuses of propagating misinformation regarding the lack of support for Sarai, a matter that has resulted in discontentment within the party.

The Sarai faction believes the region would benefit from endorsing Joho as there would be the added advantage of alignment with President William Ruto's cooperation with Raila.

It accuses rivals led by Mombasa Coordinator Samir Omar of hindering the unity of Coast leaders promoted by the vice chair.

“We, as a party, strongly condemn such behaviours and underscore the importance of maintaining a respectful discourse within our ranks. It's essential to clarify that the assertions made by the former coordinator, who departed before the 2022 general election, regarding the lack of support from coordinators for Hassan Omar Sarai, are false," said Mgandi Kalinga, director of the Coast Development Authority board.

"The decision made by Sarai has the unanimous support of all party coordinators."

Sarai has been backing Joho's candidature, saying their political disagreements are not personal and that they're collaborating for the benefit of coast residents.

The Nyali MP's faction argues that Sarai's endorsement is not beneficial to the party and claims the Mombasa coordinators do not support it.

"It's disappointing that someone claiming to be a coast resident opposes the region's unification," said Mvita Sub-county UDA Coordinator Mohamed Juma.

The politicians praised Sarai for efforts to unite the Mombasa coordinators, supporters, and candidates during the 2022 election by organising them into groups and providing startups with funds.

"Samir rebutted claims that Sarai neglects coordinators, stating that he's the pioneer in Kenyan and UDA politics to gather coordinators, form small groups, and financially support them—a unique initiative unprecedented elsewhere," the Mvita coordinator said.

They urged coastal leaders to unite for the betterment of the region's residents.

"The unity among coastal leaders will empower us, giving us a voice in the national government and fostering regional development," stated Sheikh Abu Qatada.