Joho's elevation to Kenya Kwanza Cabinet ruffles Coast political scene

Politicians from the Coast allied to President William Ruto had until recently had their game plans running as scripted until former Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho’s nomination as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.

This unsettled Joho’s contemporaries, who had in their thoughts consigned the pro-opposition politician to the political cold.

Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, a rival of the former governor, was the first to fire salvos at a public meeting attended by Ruto. The MP challenged Joho to focus on serving all Kenyans once cleared by the National Assembly for the CS post.

"To our brother Hassan Joho, we will come to the government and let him know that the flag is for the people of Kenya not only Mombasa, let him stop the circus," said Mohammed during the official opening of a tuition block at Pwani School for the Mentally Challenged.

Mohammed also called on UDA supporters in the country to remain steadfast, saying Joho’s elevation as a CS would not affect the popularity of the party in the county.

The rivalry between Joho and the journalist-turned-politician goes back to the 2017 General Election when the former governor was accused of fronting his cousin Said Abdalla alias Saido against Mohammed in the Nyali parliamentary race.

Mohammed then accused Joho of meddling in ODM party nominations to favour his cousin. Ali won the 2017 contest on an independent ticket and reclaimed Nyali his seat in 2022 through President Ruto’s UDA party.

During Ruto’s tour of the Coast, which has been opposition leader Raila Odinga’s political bastion for a long time, supporters of both Joho and Mohammed engaged in a popularity contest.

Mohammed was booed and heckled as Ruto watched, after attacking Joho.

Joho’s elevation has rattled Aisha Jumwa, too. Although the former Gender and Culture CS said she does not have problems with Joho’s entry into the Cabinet, her tone and public sentiments that Ruto does not need “political pressure” and “lobbying” to reappoint her indicated otherwise.

Jumwa was an ardent critic of Joho, having secured a position as Ruto’s key person in Kilifi County during the 2022 elections.

“I support the president. I will support him fully in constituting a government of national unity. A government of national unity is the way to go, if they pick Mr Joho I will clap for him,” she said.

Asked by a local daily if she wished to be reappointed, Jumwa charged: “Wewe hautamani kuwa kazi (Who doesn’t want a job)? But let’s give the president time to work. Let’s give him peace to appoint whoever he wishes without being pushed or compelled by anyone.”

Jumwa’s allies, however, were not happy with the new developments, expressing fear that the ruling party might lose its popularity in the region.

“We were surprised Jumwa wasn’t retained. She went through a lot because of UDA. Why would she be axed? She stood by Ruto,” said UDA Kilifi coordinator Moses Matano.

A section of Coast politicians and religious leaders have, however, drummed up support for the appointment of Joho to the Cabinet.

Led by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, a close ally of Joho, the politicians expressed support for Ruto’s move, terming it strategic.

In Ruto’s first Cabinet appointments, Mombasa was among Coast counties that did not get Cabinet positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration, with Kwale landing Mining and Blue Economy docket, while Kilifi got Gender and Culture.

“We want someone from Mombasa to be nominated for the Cabinet position. This is because Mombasa is the heartbeat of Coast politics. Despite not being shareholders, we also want a share of the national cake. There is no reason we should be excluded,” Abdulswamad said.

According to the opposition-allied governor, and in an apparent reference to Jumwa and former Mining CS Salim Mvurya, Ruto had already tried other leaders, but they had failed to deliver.

Mining and Blue Economy CS nominee Hassan Ali Joho, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Trade and Investment CS nominee Salim Mvurya at a past event. Photo: Kwale County Government

The governor said the Coast region needed a minister who could defend and fight for them on the sharing of Coast-based national resources, including the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Pipeline, and blue economy.

Joho is not new to the Cabinet. He was first appointed assistant minister for Transport during President Mwai Kibaki’s first term in 2008 when he was Kisauni MP.

Coast Parliamentary Group, led by its chairman Danson Mwashako, is set to endorse Joho’s nomination. The MPs termed him “the Coast political kingpin” and “a sober voice” needed in the Cabinet.

Mvurya has been angling to take over as the Coast's political kingpin after Joho quit active politics.

However, this seems uncertain after Joho launched a fresh bid to gain his foothold in the Coast political scene.

Coast political analyst Frankiline Ndoro says Ruto’s decision to nominate Joho to his Cabinet could be a fresh ploy to swallow the ODM in the region.

“By doing this, he will garner more votes. The president wants to ensure he garners the most votes through regional kingpins like Wycliffe Oparanya (Western), and Joho (Joho),” said Ndoro.

However, Ndoro calls for caution, saying that bringing opposition leaders to the highest decision-making table is not enough.

“That is why you see the uprising from Gen Zs who want to change the political course of this country…,” he said.

Joho’s elevation is expected to boost his party in retaining the Constituency seat that MP Harrison Kombe lost following a successful court petition against his win.

Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro also publicly congratulated Joho. Joho has been angling to take over ODM’s leadership from Odinga, who is eyeing the African Union Commission chairmanship.