Kenya Insights

Tag: Hassan Joho

  • Hassan Joho Endorses Ruto for 2027, Declares 2032 Presidential Run

    Hassan Joho Endorses Ruto for 2027, Declares 2032 Presidential Run

    Hassan Joho has finally cleared the air. After months of speculation, the flamboyant former Mombasa governor and current Mining Cabinet Secretary has made it official — he will run for president in 2032.

    At a charged rally in Garsen, Tana River County, Joho not only declared his presidential ambitions but also publicly backed President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

    The announcement marks a major political realignment and signals Joho’s strategic patience. By endorsing Ruto now and sitting out 2027, Joho is positioning himself as a future contender with national appeal and political maturity.

    Hassan Joho Endorses Ruto for 2027, Declares 2032 Presidential Run
    The Hassan Joho 2032 Presidential Run is no longer a rumor — it’s a well-calculated, public declaration of intent. By endorsing Ruto now, Joho gains valuable time, influence, and visibility. He separates himself from old opposition tactics and aligns himself with power while laying the groundwork for a serious presidential bid. [Photo: Courtesy]

    Why Hassan Joho 2032 Presidential Run Begins with Ruto’s Endorsement

    Speaking to a sea of supporters in Garsen, Joho declared his full support for Ruto’s presidency and stated that he would only seek the presidency after Ruto completes his second term in 2032.

    “We will hold William Ruto’s hand and accompany him, whatever it takes. Once he clocks 2032, we will be waiting for that seat,” Joho proclaimed, triggering loud applause.

    This move puts Joho on a long-term political path, signaling the start of his national campaign. While critics have questioned ODM’s decision to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza administration, Joho defended the shift and warned against being dragged into unnecessary political feuds.

    “We from the Coast can’t be taken to a fight that is not ours. We cannot be used as weapons to fight people who are not our enemies,” he said.

    By refusing to fight “other people’s battles,” Joho distanced himself from opposition hardliners still pushing confrontational politics. He also reassured President Ruto of full backing from the coastal voting bloc, saying the Head of State had already made major inroads in the region.

    Joho’s Shift from Coastal Kingpin to National Contender

    Joho’s rise from a Mombasa strongman to a national figure has not been accidental. In 2024, he made it clear that he had outgrown county politics and was now aiming for the top seat. He openly rejected suggestions to return to local office.

    “I want to tell them I am done with Mombasa politics; I am now focusing on national politics,” Joho declared months before his appointment to the Cabinet.

    His transition to the Mining docket gave him a new platform to interact with diverse communities, gain national exposure, and build alliances across party lines. His recent moves show he’s not just waiting for 2032 — he’s laying a strong foundation now.

    Interestingly, ODM party leader Raila Odinga has in the past hinted that Joho would eventually be the party’s flagbearer. Raila has repeatedly said that no political seat in ODM is reserved for anyone, possibly setting the stage for an internal contest.

    With Raila now warming up to a working relationship with Ruto’s government and even taking on AU roles, the ODM power vacuum could open doors for Joho to rise.

    Joho, Babu Owino, and the Battle for ODM’s Future

    As Raila gradually exits active politics, the race to fill his shoes is intensifying. Joho’s strategic move could place him at the front of the queue. However, he is not alone.

    Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, a fellow ODM member, has also thrown his hat in the presidential ring. In April, Owino claimed that he is the only Kenyan capable of defeating Ruto in a presidential contest.

    “I am overqualified for the position. I relate with the suffering of ordinary Kenyans because I have lived through their struggles,” he said.

    While Owino brings youth, energy, and grassroots appeal, Joho carries experience, national connections, and a Cabinet post that could expand his reach further. The coming years may see a fierce rivalry between these two within ODM — or a surprising alliance.

    But unlike Babu, Joho is not rushing. By backing Ruto in 2027, he avoids a direct fight now, builds goodwill with the current administration, and keeps ODM’s house from falling apart.

    Conclusion

    As the political climate shifts, the country will watch closely. Will Joho emerge as Raila Odinga’s true political heir? Will he hold the coastal bloc together while expanding nationally? One thing is clear — the 2027 election may belong to Ruto, but 2032 has a new contender, and his name is Hassan Joho.

  • ‘We Will Support You Until 2032,’ Joho Assures Ruto

    ‘We Will Support You Until 2032,’ Joho Assures Ruto

    Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has publicly committed Coast region leaders to supporting President William Ruto’s administration until 2032, marking what he describes as an unprecedented level of unity among coastal political figures.

    Speaking during a Tuesday meeting at State House Nairobi, where Ruto hosted leaders from six coastal counties, Joho emphasized that regional representatives would execute their assigned duties with “integrity and honesty” while working to improve constituents’ lives.

    “We will do the work you have given us to better the lives and unite the people so that we all can prosper,” Joho declared. “We will continue to unite our leaders so that we can move forward from now until 2027 and 2032 going forward. That is the commitment we have made.”

    The Cabinet Secretary characterized the current political alignment as historic, noting that Coast leaders have traditionally been divided but are now “solidly united” under Ruto’s leadership. According to Joho, previous administrations saw coastal politicians split into conflicting factions, but the current crop of leaders focuses solely on issues affecting their constituents.

    “Your Excellency, the leaders you see here, it is the first time they have united solidly, it has never been like this,” Joho told the President. “There have always been two conflicting sides, and I feel very encouraged because they are issue-driven. When they sit, they discuss issues that affect the people they lead.”

    The State House meeting brought together Cabinet Secretaries and elected officials from across the coastal counties of Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Taita Taveta.

    President Ruto addressing the coastal region at State House Nairobi.
    President Ruto addressing the coastal region at State House Nairobi.

    Joho’s declaration extends support beyond Ruto’s current term, which runs through 2027, suggesting backing for a potential second term that would conclude in 2032. The statement comes as political realignments continue to reshape Kenya’s political landscape, with traditional opposition strongholds like the Coast showing increased cooperation with the current administration.

    The Mining CS dismissed critics of the regional unity, stating bluntly: “Those who do not want it, it’s up to them, for us we want development.”

    This public pledge of extended loyalty represents a significant political development for the Coast region, historically considered an opposition stronghold, and could influence electoral dynamics in upcoming political cycles.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • How Raila Odinga Crushed ODM Succession Talks

    How Raila Odinga Crushed ODM Succession Talks

    Since Raila Odinga’s loss in the 2022 presidential election, speculation about his retirement has been rampant.

    The debate intensified after he announced plans to vie for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship in February 2025.

    Meanwhile, key figures within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) began vying for leadership positions, each eyeing the possibility of succeeding the opposition veteran.

    However, Raila’s recent moves to reorganize ODM’s leadership and nominate key allies to President William Ruto’s Cabinet reveal his intentions to remain politically active, even as the succession race heats up.

    How Raila Odinga Crushed ODM Succession Talks

    The Battle for ODM Leadership and the AUC Seat

    Earlier this year, loyal members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fiercely competed to succeed him. Hassan Joho, the Mining Cabinet Secretary, gathered support from the Coast and North Eastern regions. Meanwhile, Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya secured backing from his allies in Western Kenya.

    Both Joho and Oparanya, former ODM deputy leaders, felt they were the right candidates to lead after Raila’s retirement. But Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who was leading the Azimio coalition in Parliament, was the favorite among Nyanza lawmakers.

    Wandayi even gained the endorsement of Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, who said Wandayi was closest to Raila’s heart. National Treasury CS John Mbadi also threw his hat in the ring, supported by Raila’s wife, Ida Odinga.

    The competition among these four men reflected their ambitions to lead ODM. However, Raila seemed reluctant to pass the leadership baton.

    To manage these ambitions, he endorsed both Joho and Oparanya to lead in his absence. But recently, Raila removed all four from the leadership equation by nominating them to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.

    Since the law prevents Cabinet Secretaries from holding party positions, they were effectively sidelined. Days ago, Raila introduced a new leadership lineup for ODM. He hinted that despite his potential AUC position, he would remain active in politics.

    Raila reassured his supporters, saying he could easily fly to Addis Ababa in just two hours and would continue advising his chosen deputies.

    Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati were appointed as Raila’s deputies.

    The move to appoint three deputies was seen as an effort to calm different factions within ODM and reduce any direct challenge to Raila’s authority.

    If Raila is unsuccessful in his AUC bid, he can easily return to lead ODM. If he wins, he will remain in touch with party affairs.

    Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna retained his role as ODM’s secretary general. Raila has described this position as the “heart of the party,” highlighting Sifuna’s close alliance with him.

    Initially, Sifuna was considered for the deputy party leader role, but the creation of multiple deputy positions diluted its power.

    In other changes, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was appointed as chairperson, signaling her potential for future leadership.

    Notably missing from this reshuffle was Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, a vocal politician who is seen as a potential future leader in Nyanza.

    Although Babu has tried to secure a more influential role within ODM, he is still viewed as a junior member of the party.

    According to Timothy Onduru, a university history lecturer, Babu is relatively new to politics, and there are more experienced leaders who are better suited to take over.

    Despite this, Babu’s frequent visits to Nyanza and his charismatic appeal make him a notable figure in the region’s politics.

    Babu has already started charting his political path. He is part of a group of young MPs, known as “team ground,” who see themselves as an alternative to Raila’s alliance with President Ruto.

    Last Friday, Babu led a group of lawmakers in criticizing the president’s handling of issues raised by young protesters. Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, he hinted at his own presidential ambitions.

    For now, Babu’s immediate goal is to unseat Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in 2027. However, Raila seems to prefer Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi for the position, creating a hurdle for Babu. Dr. Onduru suggests that Raila’s reluctance to support Babu is due to his tendency to “go overboard.”

    Raila has often been criticized for not grooming successors and for sidelining those with bright political futures. Political analysts argue that Raila appears hesitant to hand over control, both within ODM and the Azimio coalition.

     

  • Mombasa Tycoon’s Employee Identified As Key Suspect In Linking Joho’s Family To Alleged Drug Trafficking

    Mombasa Tycoon’s Employee Identified As Key Suspect In Linking Joho’s Family To Alleged Drug Trafficking

    After playing hide and seek games with criminal police investigators, the woman accused of linking Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and his brother, Abubakar Ali Joho, to drug trafficking and the theft of Ksh 40 billion has been identified.

    Police officers have released the identity of the woman who had also linked the two to the theft of containers inside the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

    She will be presented to court and will plead to the charges on October 3.

    Prosecutors argue that the false claims circulated on social media could have far-reaching consequences not only tarnishing the reputation of the accused but also affecting their professional and personal lives.

    Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo had ordered that the suspect named Matilda Maodo Kinzani should appear before her court to plead to the charges.

    She has, through her lawyer Michael Oloo, requested the court to have a warrant of arrest issued against her lifted after she failed to appear before the court to plead to the charges.

    Police had suspected foul play when Mr Oloo informed the court that his client was unwell and unable to appear before the court.

    The magistrate set aside the warrant of arrest and ordered her release on a bond of Ksh 700,000 with one similar surety with an alternative of Ksh 300,000 cash bail.

    According to police, the suspect is a senior employee of Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd, now known as Bulk Stream.

    According to court documents, Kinzani in her statement to police has stated that she is an employee of the company, having worked as a senior employee for several years.

    She further informed police that the information she shared on her social media platforms was from a credible source and, at the time she released it on her WhatsApp, she believed it was not meant to damage the reputation of Joho nor his brother.

    Kinzani is facing charges of publishing false information under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.

    The police detectives are convinced the woman is the prime suspect who used her WhatsApp to share information deemed false and victimizing to the character of Joho and his elder brother. This happened immediately after Joho was nominated to the position of Cabinet Secretary.

    As investigations continue, authorities are expected to dig deeper into the source of the claims Kinzani made as they aim to establish whether she acted alone or as part of a coordinated campaign.

  • Joho: I Hold Two Degrees And Will Be Graduating With A Masters From Harvard

    Joho: I Hold Two Degrees And Will Be Graduating With A Masters From Harvard

    Hassan Joho, the nominee for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, confronted persistent allegations regarding his academic credentials during a vetting session with the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments.

    These allegations have resurfaced each time he has pursued a public office.
    Lawmakers pressed the former Mombasa Governor to clarify his educational background, which has been the subject of scrutiny since 2007 when he first sought a parliamentary seat.

    The controversy was reignited after Joho revealed that he is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School.

    “I drew my inspiration from Professor Ali Mazrui, who didn’t succeed at his Cambridge level to get admitted for a first degree but is now a renowned scholar. There’s no way you can’t admire him for his contributions to the well-being of our society,” Joho stated.

    “Historical struggles are real, and no one should imagine there is a level playing field for those coming from places of comfort.”

    Joho, the former Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), lamented that his political opponents have repeatedly attempted to derail his career by challenging his academic credentials.

    He recounted an incident during the 2013 Mombasa gubernatorial race where influential individuals allegedly attempted to bribe professors at Gretsa University in Thika, where he obtained his second degree, to invalidate his qualifications.

    “This question arises every time I have an opportunity to achieve something. It started in 2007 when they claimed my nursery and secondary school certificates were fake,” Joho explained.

    “In my quest to become governor, some people tried to suspend my degree and pretend to conduct an investigation just to ensure I missed the deadlines to submit my papers,” he added.

    Joho described the constant challenges he faces each time he seeks a public or state office.

    He emphasized that all relevant government bodies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Commission for University Education, have scrutinized his credentials without finding any discrepancies.

    “No government institution, including the EACC and the Commission for University Education, has ever found fault with my credentials. Watch this space: if I am approved, the next time I come for vetting, I will have a PhD. If God wills it and I return for vetting, I will be Dr. Hassan Joho,” he declared confidently.

    “Those who wanted me out have lost, and they cannot take what is rightfully mine. They lost!” Joho exclaimed.

    Joho shared with the Committee on Appointments that he financed his own secondary education due to his determination to become educated, as his parents could not afford it because of financial difficulties.

    “Some of us come from very poor backgrounds. If you look at my CV, you will see I had to take a break for a year between primary and secondary school. Why? Because my parents couldn’t pay my fees,” he explained.

    The nominee for Mining and Blue Economy urged young people not to be discouraged from pursuing education due to their financial background or academic performance, emphasizing that learning is a lifelong process.

    “Your hope should not die because of past struggles. We suffered, but I take pride in turning my life around when I found even the slightest opportunity for self-improvement, which is a continual process. I seized it,” Joho stated.

    Despite scoring a D- in his secondary education, Joho expressed pride in his academic achievements, noting that he is on track to obtain a master’s degree from one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

    “Yes, I did not perform well in secondary school, scoring a D- no doubt, but I turned that around. Today, I hold two degrees, and I am on my way to obtaining a master’s degree from the most prestigious university in the world. That is the achievement of determination,” he concluded.

  • Coast ODM Leaders Rally Behind Joho For 2027 President

    Coast ODM Leaders Rally Behind Joho For 2027 President

    Coast Elected leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have endorsed former Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho for president in 2027.

    The leaders said it was time Coast had their own in the race to statehouse so as to become the sixth president of the Republic of Kenya.

    Speaking during food distribution exercise for Muslims during the Holy Month of Ramadhan at Nidhamia hall in Malindi attended by over 10 legislators including Senators, Women Reps and MPs for Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale the leaders openly told Joho who was present to soldier on his agenda as he had the full backing of the leaders.

    Those present included host and vocal Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, Kilifi Senator Stwart Madzayo, Kwale Senator Boy Juma Boy, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki,Kilifi Woman Rep Getrude Mbeyu , Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed MPs Mishi Mboko, Kisauni MP Rashid Benzimba, Magarini MP Harrison Kombe, Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed,Mvita MP Machele Mohamed

    Also present were a host of MCA s from Mombasa Kilifi and Kwale together with ODM Youth Fikirini Jacobs, among others.

    Joho while accepting the endorsement since his declaration of interest to become president others have begun telling him to go slow and talk with others.

    He said it’s time for him to become the party leader and will not step back until he becomes president.

    Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo on his part urged Coast resident to desist from being divided on political grounds and remain united to make sure Joho becomes president.

    He said once Raila goes to the AUC then he should be succeeded by Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho.

    “Of all those who want to succeed Raila no one matches Joho, no one, so all of us as brothers lets unite and ensure we support Joho,” he said.

    The Vocal Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi openly told the constituents to allow her to accompany joho in his countrywide campaigns for his presidency as she was determined to see him win the top seat.

    A section of Coast ODM leadership endorsing Joho.

    She said it’s time for Coastal leaders to come together and show full support for Joho’s presidential bid as he was the only leader to take the region to another level.

    “We want all of you and even the Media to ensure that Joho is all over the social media mainstream media like NTV Citizen, all of the other mainstream media,” he said.

    Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said the Whole Coast region was supporting Joho and asked all leaders to support his bid.

    Kilifi Woman Rep Getrude Mbeyu said the former Mombasa Governor is over qualified as education was fine, and is also wealthy.

    “It’s only Joho who can defeat President Ruto . He does not fear anything and is the only one who took the former President Uhuru Kenyatta head on in Mombasa previously,” she said.

    Shela Ward MCA Twahir Abdulkharim urged all ODM leaders to support Joho as he was the only one who had the muscles to defeat President Ruto.

    Magarini MP Harrison Kombe said immediately ODM Party leader Raila Odinga becomes the AUC chairman Joho should take the mantle.

    “If the country is one lets shun from tribalism the ODM party leader is Joho,” he said.

    Fikirini Jacobs ODM Youth from Kilifi County said its time for Coast to produce the president and urged all Coastal leaders to support him for his bid as he has fought hard to be where he is today.

  • Fall of Joho Family Port Business

    Fall of Joho Family Port Business

    The business empire of the family of former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho has come under threat following the cancellation of leases and contracts worth billions of shillings linked to the port of Mombasa in what is being termed as the state raid.

    The family business empire has also been faced by audit queries on how the contracts were awarded. Kenya Kwanza has continued to give port contracts to other people as opposed to Hassan Joho.

    The fact of the matter is that, Kenyan politics and business interests go concurrently and that is why Joho is experiencing tough times.

    Recently, cabinet secretary Kipchumba Murkomen advertised all the ports contracts freshly and locked out Joho family businesses.

    Early this month, the government nominated three companies to handle more than 1.1 million tonnes of cargo annually destined for South Sudan from the Mombasa port. It picked Compact Consolbase, Mombasa Container Terminal and Mitchell Cotts to handle cargo from and to the port of Mombasa. This effectively breaks the monopoly of Joho’s family firm Autoport Freight Terminals Ltd, which has been handling goods headed to South Sudan.

    In a letter dated July 25, Transport principal secretary Mohamed Daghar also said cargo destined for South Sudan can be handled by any Kenya Revenue Authority custom bonded warehouse.

    The fight over the handling of the cargo has been going on since July last year after the same companies nominated were dropped for failing to meet clients’ demands. Mombasa has been the main route for all consignments destined to the landlocked South Sudan, which comes second after Uganda in the use of Mombasa port, accounting for 9.9pc of transit volumes.

    Kenya Revenue Joho Authority has also waded into the saga following claims that the Joho family business empire has evaded paying tax running into billions of shillings.

    In the myriad accusations, it has also emerged that a logistics firm linked to the family was awarded a contract on concessionary terms to operate at the taxpayer-funded inland cargo terminal in Nairobi in 2018 based on forgeries of board resolutions by the then-acting Kenya Railways Corporation managing director, the Auditor-General said in a special audit report.

    Autoports Freight Terminal Limited had sought to be given concessionary lease terms after being allowed to set up at the Nairobi Freight Terminal, similar to those awarded months earlier to Grain Bulk Handlers Limited, which was setting up its own facility in Athi River. The firm wanted to pay a discounted freight tariff of $450 per wagon of 60 tonnes for a period of 10 years, waivers of stand premium and annual rent premium for 10 years, automatic renewal of its 45-year lease and a termination clause period of 24 months.

    The KRC board, however, voted to reject these waiver appeals, saying that they were only available to firms setting up their own greenfield facilities, rather than those using existing terminal facilities.

  • Raila Defends Junet Over Azimio Agents Cash Saga

    Raila Defends Junet Over Azimio Agents Cash Saga

    Raila Odinga has come to the rescue of his close confidant Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) and the coalition’s Secretary-General Junet Mohammed  over allegations that he misappropriated funds meant for agents during the just-concluded August 9 election terming the accusations as malicious and baseless.

    In a statement shared by Raila Odinga Campaign Secretariat spokesperson Makau Mutua, the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition desisted the allegations reiterating that the Suna East MP never handled funds meant for agents.

    “We have seen shameful and disgusting attacks on some members of our campaign on the question of agents. Defamatory and obviously false allegations of the misappropriation of campaign funds are flying on social media.

    ‘Let me state without equivocation that Hon Mohammed was a campaign lad in the field supporting the Rt Hon Raila Odinga. He at no time-even once-handled funds meant for agents. Nor did Mr Mohamed have anything whatsoever to do with the management of agents,” the statement reads in parts.

    While maintaining that the August 9 elections were bungled, the coalition further stated that the claims circulating are merely false propaganda that members of the public must detest.

    “We acknowledge there is disappointment about how the IEBC conducted the election and with the decision of the Supreme Court, but malicious allegations against Hon Mohamed and any of the secretariat staff should be beneath the dignity of every person,” the statement added.

    “Importantly, let me state clearly that the issue of agents was not the cause of a bungled election. We must appreciate that it is not the responsibility of candidates to protect the vote, or conduct a free and fair election. That constitutional duty lies squarely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) working in concert with relevant institutions. No one should blame Azimio or our candidates for stolen votes or a fatally flawed election,” said Prof Mutua in a statement.

    Following the former Prime Minister’s defeat by President-elect Dr William Ruto during the August General Election, bitter exchanges have dominated his camp with his lieutenants pointing fingers at each other for the loss.

    Some of the key figures who have suffered attacks majorly on social media are Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, who is also the Azimio Secretary General, former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Azimio Secretariat chief executive officer Elizabeth Meyo.

    The trio have been accused accused of bungling the election by failing to deploy enough agents across the country, in what the Raila Campaign secretariat says is lies and borders on defamation.

     

  • Mohammed Jaffer Takes His Battle With Johos On Bulk Grain Handling Further

    Mohammed Jaffer Takes His Battle With Johos On Bulk Grain Handling Further

    The supremacy battle of bull grain handling between Mombasa oligarch Mohammed Jaffer and the Joho family has escalated.

    According to the latest report, activist Okiya Omtatah has sued the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), seeking to have it compelled to issue him with a copy of the licence or permit issued to Portside Freight Terminals Ltd and Heartland Terminals Ltd to develop a second bulk grain handling facility in Mombasa. In a case likely to delay the project, Mr Omtatah accuses KPA of refusing to provide a copy of the licence or permit though the state is obligated under the law to publish the information.

    The two companies are associated with the Joho’s family.

    In his petition filed in the High Court in Mombasa, Mr Omtatah has also sued Portside Freight Terminals Ltd, Heartland Terminals Ltd and Portside CFS Ltd, and has named the Dock Workers Union as an interested party.

    Governor Joho and his brother Abu (left).

    The petitioner argues that the respondents are frustrating a public evaluation of the permit and violating his constitutional right and duty to be involved in a matter of significant public interest (procurement of the second bulk grain handling facility).

    Mr Omtatah says that Executive Order No 2 of 2018 requires all procuring public entities to publish tender opportunities and contract awards through the Public Procurement Information Portal.

    The petitioner also says that contrary to the order, KPA has not published on the portal a copy of the licence or permit it granted to Portside Freight Terminals Ltd and Heartland Terminals Ltd.

    He also argues that the licence or permit was issued in violation of conservatory orders issued by the court in another petition that bound KPA not to act.

    Mr Omtatah wants a conservatory order suspending the licence issued by KPA to the two companies to develop a second bulk grain handling facility pending the determination of his petition.

    Parliament on bulk grain monopoly 

    Last year the Lawmakers raised an issue over the bulk grain handling monopoly and wanted KPAto fast track authorisation of design, development and implementation of more grain bulk handlers at the facility to enhance competition and optimise revenue collection.

    In a report, the National Assembly Finance, Planning and Trade Committee took issue with the current monopoly enjoyed by the Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd, a private entity, and especially low tariffs that it is charged as compared to other grain bulk handlers, saying it is a technical barrier to trade and competition.

    Mohammed Jaffer, owner GBHL.

    Grain Bulk handles 98 percent of grains imported to Kenya according to the report.

    “The current rates payable for grain bulk handling under the GBHL service is $3.85 (Sh422.7) per metric tonne as provided for in the KPA Tariff Book while conventional grain bulk handlers are charged $10.4 (Sh1,141) per metric tonne. This price differentiation has presented a technical barrier to trade and competition,” reads the committee’s report.

    The tariffs were set in 2000 though they were marginally adjusted in 2008 and 2012.

    Dry grain

    KPA, through a Wayleave Agreement of 1992 for a period of 45 years and License Agreement entered in 2000 for 33 years, designated berths 3 and 4 to Grain Bulk Limited to handle grain bulk vessel discharge alongside the regular dry grain and fertiliser handling that utilises drags for bagged cargo. It is the sole operator for grain bulk handling at the Port of Mombasa.

    As part of the 2000 agreement, GBHL was granted exclusive rights to handle the grain bulk business at the port for eight years to allow it to recoup its expenditure before the licensing of other handlers.

    After the agreement expired in February 2008, the KPA board resolved to liberalise handling of grain at the port to eliminate monopoly and promote healthy competition but the search for a second grain bulk handler aborted after the government cancelled the tender ostensibly to allow for more stakeholder competition. KPA now plans to conclude the process by next year.

    With grain handling at the Port of Mombasa projected to grow by seven percent annually, MPs concurred that there is need to licence more operators but hastened to add that the process must be fair, open, transparent and adhere to the Public Procurement and Disposal Act 2005 to ensure non-discrimination and accountability.

    GBHL is owned by Mohammed Jaffer.

  • Did Joho use and dump Luos after re-election?

    Did Joho use and dump Luos after re-election?

    Coast region council of Luo elders led by chairman Obara Kings has raised concerns over the  community being used to top up numbers during elections in Mombasa but fail to feature in the major appointments at the county executive. Obara who is pointing accusing fingers at the administration of Governor Hassan Joho that turned a blind a blind eye to the community after his 2017 re-election voed that they will vet all Mombasa gubernatorial aspirants before making a decision on who to back in the 2022 race.

    “As a community, we cannot be supporting people to gain leadership and then we become mere spectators. That is why this time round, we are listening to all the aspirants to hear what they have on offer for the community before we make a collective decision. We cannot allow to be used and dumped again,” Obara said.

    Luos form one of the most politically active communities in Mombasa politics with a considerably good numbers to demand a proper share of the county government. They are the most vocal  and best at attending rallies in big numbers. They also participate in elections actively compared to Coastal natives like the Swahilis who stay indoors and follow political events on television, radio and social media.

    Obara’s sentiments have been backed by  Tom Ogwanjo, Doris Ndege, Joseph Adul, and Hamisi Jasuba who are also keen to rope in other upcountry communities together to get a share of elective seats in Mombasa where ODM party still remains the most popular. The group also argues that the Luos living in Mombasa are the most instrumental in propping and sustaining the leadership of Governor Ali Hassan Joho whose term  will expire in  August 2022.

    They further claim that their community has some numerical strength to bargain for plum positions as they point at a case in 2017 general elections when the Mijikenda community led by 98,000 votes, Kambas by 60,000 votes, Luos and Gemas had 50,000 votes, Somali 30,000, Luhya 25,000, Swahili 23,000, Taita 15,000, Kalenjin 10,000 and others 38,000 votes bringing the numbers to 409,000. The native Mijikendas are the largest voting bloc in Mombasa but fail to  participate during elections as majority of them retreat to their rural homes for fear of electoral violence the same way Kambas do.

    Drawing backing to the villages by the two communities always leave Luos to dominate elections in Mombasa like in 2013 general election when Luos produced several MCAs and had three of their own were appointed to the county government of Mombasa as ministers. They also bagged the speaker’s slot following negotiations with Joho prior to those elections but the same as not the  case after the governor’s re-election in 2017.

    Luos were consumed by Raila Odinga politics and failed to negotiate with Joho for more  appointments after the 2017 polls despite the massive support they gave Joho. They were used and left out Joho’s second term line up.

  • Court halts Joho brothers plot to irregularly bag KPA tender

    Court halts Joho brothers plot to irregularly bag KPA tender

    Justice Reuben Nyakundi of the High Court has stopped Kenya Ports Authority from irregularly awarding a licence to Portside Freight Terminal Limited until a case filed against activist Okiyah Omtatah against the firm is heard and concluded.

    Omtatah accused KPA board of directors of going beyond the powers bestowed on them when they approved the licence to Portside Freight Terminal Ltd, a firm that belongs to Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and his brothers. Portside had won a multi-billion shillings tender to develop a second grain bulk handling facility at the port of Mombasa.

    Documents filed in court by Omtatah show that KPA wrote to the Treasury cabinet secretary Ukur Yatani on March 11 2021 asking for permission and approval to use single sourcing for the second grain handling tender and the request was approved by the board on June 28 2021.

    The contract wasthen awarded to Portside Freight Terminals Limited but six qualified  bidders including Mombasa Grain Terminals Limited, Kapa Oil Refinery, Kilindini Terminals Limited,  Africa Port & Terminals Ltd, Multiship International and Kipevu Inland Container EPZ were locked out after their proposals ignored.

    Activist Okiya Omtatah [p/courtesy]
    Omtatah convinced the court that single sourcing was exclusively being employed in this case to favor Portside Freight Terminal Ltd which feared competition from competent bidders. The activist also argued that the State Agency’s questionable move contravened the law and breached provisions of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposals Act.

    The board’s move also went against KPA’s Master Plan which proposed the second grain handling facility to be developed at either Dongo Kundu area or Lamu port but not Mombasa port where Joho brothers are are the shot callers.

    The ruling on Portside licence was celebrated by tycoon Mohammed Jaffer, Joho’s business rival who owns the only existing private grain handling facility ( Grain Bulk Handlers Limited) at the port of Mombasa and is poised to continue enjoying monopoly.

    The case whose hearing is set for August 27 has already elicited mixed reactions after another company associated with the Joho family took over a lucrative Nairobi SGR cargo terminal in Nairobi through an exclusive deal which raised eyebrows and attracted the attention of investigative agencies.

     

  • ODM cooking reasons to kick-out Joho

    ODM cooking reasons to kick-out Joho

    All has not been well between Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and handlers of ODM party leader Raila Odinga since the party lost Msambweni parliamentary seat in a by-election held in November last year. Joho, a one time ardent supporter and defender of the ODM leader is now considered a baggage with the party luminaries sidelining him with his presidential bid.

    The outgoing Mombasa governor who has missed in Raila’s recent events is accused of secretly financing Kilifi governor Amason Kingi who is championing the formation of a political party with coastal roots. Kingi was recently kick out as the ODM chairman, Kilifi branch, barely a month after two political parties (Pamoja Alliance and Kenya Democracy for Change) from the Coast were handed provisional certificates.

    Raila’s handlers also claim that their party leader is rebranding himself to appeal to the international community thus can’t be spotted with characters like Joho who has been widely mentioned in drug trafficking and tax evasion scandals. They also claim that the flashy governor is linked to criminal characters and is in bad books with the western powers.

    Kilifi governor Amason Kingi. Raila recently kicked him from ODM [p/courtesy]

    Joho has been the face of ODM in the coastal region where the party bagged majority of elective seats in 2013 and 2017 general elections with Kilifi having all its leaders elected on ODM party ticket.

    The plot to kick out Joho is also fueled by the fact that Coast governors who are serving their second and final terms including Kwale’s Salim Mvurya – have been seeking new alliances to remain relevant in the post 2022 politics. Both Joho and Kingi have declared interests for presidency with the support of Raila whom they have backed in the three previous elections.

    Joho, businessman Jimi Wanjigi and Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya have all applied for the ODM’s presidential ticket but the party’s election board is planning to announce fresh applications before it hands the ticket to Raila Odinga.

    The once vocal politician will be forced to follow his Kilifi counterpart before he makes up his mind to leave the Odinga -led party which has also been abandoned by Kingi allies including Kilifi ODM youth league chairman Samir Nyundo who resigned from ODM citing lack of inclusivity and development for the region.

     

     

     

  • Mijikenda Factor In Joho Succession Race

    Mijikenda Factor In Joho Succession Race

    Mombasa deputy governor Dr. William Kingi is enjoying a growing popularity as the race to succeed governor Hassan Joho intensifies, exactly one year to the next year’s general election. DG Kingi had been trashed as an underdog in the race but the backing from his Mijikenda community has boosted his candidature.

    The Mijikenda community is simply putting it that it is now their turn to occupy the lucrative seat which has been held by Joho who comes from a minority Arab extract for the past nine years.

    Joho was first deputized by Hazel Katana in his first term but he later picked Kingi in 2017, both are from the Mijikenda community who are the majority voters at the coast.

    Mombasa DG William Kingi and Governor Hassan Joho [p/courtesy]
    But smaller tribes have taken advantage of disunity and poverty among the Mijikenda to chest thump for plum positions. What still remains clear is that ODM party still stands a chance of producing the next governor of Mombasa county but the candidate may be different from the usual faces like Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir or businessman Suleiman Shahbal who are eyeing the ODM ticket.

    Even the ODM party leader Raila Odinga who has been secretly pushing for the moneyed Shahbal has read the mood on the ground and assured Kingi of free and fair party nominations.

    This comes after goons funded by Shahbal booed the Mombasa DG in attempts to prevent him from delivering his speech during a function hosted by Joho and graced by ODM leader at Coast General & Referral hospital.

    Flip flopping Shahbal had initially dismissed Kingi as a weak candidate but with a strong Mijikenda candidate emerging,  even picking a DG from the community will not do much to sway voters to his side. And with Joho backing Nassir as his preferred successor, Shahbal is also secretly engaging Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as another alternative if things fail to work in ODM where he is seen as a stranger.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Joho friendly judge demoted in Koome transfers

    Joho friendly judge demoted in Koome transfers

    Controversial High Court judge Eric Ogola has been moved from Mombasa to a lesser station in Eldoret in the latest reshuffles announced by Chief Justice Martha Koome. The reshuffle that affected 23 judges has left a section of Mombasa based lawyers in high spirits as they celebrated the transfer of Ogola from where Mombasa Law Courts where he handled all high profile cases.

    He will be replaced by Justice Olga Sewe who has been transferred to Mombasa in the reshuffles that will take effect set on October 1 2021. Justice Ogola shot to the limelight with controversial rulings in Mombasa that always put him under siege for favoring Joho.

    Ogola always showcased that he was overprotective of Mombasa governor Hassan Joho during his stint at the coast to an extent that some Mombasa based lawyers protested to the Judicial Service Commission after he dismissed election petitions filed against politicians allied to the governor.

    His relationship with the governor even pushed the some lawyers to report the matter to the JSC which they requested to profile all the cases Ogola handled in relation to governor Joho, his family and allies.

    Mombasa governor Hassan Joho during a past court session [p/courtesy]
    Justice Ogola had earned the tag of Joho’s blue-eyed boy in the corridors of justice in a petition to the JSC where he was accused of forcing his way to handle all criminal cases involving Joho and his family.

    He is also accused of using his close relationship with the Mombasa County boss to acquire prime properties in Nyali but this abrupt transfer to Eldoret now leaves him a dejected man. His counterpart Justice Weldon Korir has also moved from Nairobi. Korir is among the six judges President Uhuru Kenyatta refused to nominate to the Court of Appeal and the Environment and Lands Court.

    Also affected with the transfers is Justice James Wakiaga who has been moved to Muranga High Court while Justice John Mativo is now set to head the Mombasa High Court. Justice Sergon will move to Kakamega while Justice Chacha Mwita will make a comeback to Nairobi Commercial Division where Justice Abigail Mshila has also been moved to.

  • Discontent in Mombasa as ODM nominates ‘mwanabara’

    Discontent in Mombasa as ODM nominates ‘mwanabara’

    ODM Party has nominated Solomon Ngugi to replace the late Mohand Hatimy but the decision was not received well by party adherents in Mombasa County.

    Supporters have accused the Raila Odinga led party of dishing out a slot that belonged to them to a foreigner or ‘mwanabara’ who is also a non Muslim.

    Ngugi who has sinc been sworn in was led into the assembly by Chaani MCA Junior Wambua and Mombasa County Youth representative Hon. Moses Oindo.

    Majority leader Hamisi Mwidani who also chairs finance, budget and appropriations congratulated Ngugi on his nominations claiming that Ngugi is man from the local party branch who earned his nomination courtesy of his loyal to the party.

    Ngugi in his maiden speech thanked the ODM party leader Raila Odinga, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and the entire ODM Nyali branch for his nomination to fill the slot that was left vacant after Hatimy’s death.

    The newly nominated MCA also thanked the ODM Mombasa branch for supporting his nomination despite the discontent among the natives who claim that the seat that was once held by their own has been thrown to ‘a foreigner’.

    Ngugi’s swearing-in was presided over by speaker  Aharub Khatri  said that Ngugi’s nomination had been gazetted through the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

    The late Mohamed Hatimy [p/courtesy]
    The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, acting county secretary Joab Tumbo, ODM county branch secretary Geoffrey Busaka and Assembly clerk Salim Juma presented Ngugi with books and documents pertaining to the assembly guidelines.

    The session ended with a minute of silence in honor of Hatimy who served as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Mombasa County chairperson. He was serving his second term as nominated MCA in the Mombasa County Assembly where he was also the chairing the Finance Committee.

    Before joining politics, Hatimy also served as the chairman oformer Kenya Football Federation (KFF). He died in November 2020 at Mombasa hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

    The discontent in Ngugi’s nomination is coming at the time when Mombasa governor Joho is also eyeing ODM’s presidential ticket which is more of a preserve for Raila Odinga.

    Joho is claiming that the coastal region has stood with Odinga for too long and it’s now time that the former Langa’ta Mp reciprocated.

     

     

     

     

     

  • How long will flip-flopping Shahbal stay in ODM?

    How long will flip-flopping Shahbal stay in ODM?

    The entry of businessman Suleiman Shahbal in ODM party has angered politicians lining up to succeed the outgoing governor Hassan Joho. Shahbal who ran on a Jubilee party in 2017 and lost to Joho has ‘bought off’ the ODM party leader Raila Odinga who is behind his strange entry into the orange party.

    His recent defection from Jubilee to ODM has now triggered a heated fight for the party’s ticket for Mombasa gubernatorial contest as supporters of Deputy Governor William Kingi and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir express their dissatisfaction.

    Both Kingi and Nassir are interested in succeeding Joho in 2022 with Nassir challenging Shahbal to publicly apologize to ODM, its leadership and supporters for the past insults.

    “I challenge Shahbal to first apologise to Raila and Joho for his past utterances because he is known for flip-flopping parties” Nassir told the media.

    But defection has been the norm for Mr Shahbal since the beginning of his politics. Just before the 2013 general elections, the businessman defected from ODM to UDF and then to Wiper party all in less than a month.

    He had also expressed his confusion in 2020 when he attended a Wiper party office opening function where Kalonzo Musyoka introduced him as the sole party candidate for the Mombasa gubernatorial in next year’s polls but a week later, the flip-flopping politician was seen drumming up support for the ODM candidate in Msambweni parliamentary by-election.

    Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. He wants to be the next governor of Mombasa County [p/county]
    But going with the ODM tradition and its messy nominations Shahbal will be dealt a big political blow when the battle for ODM ticket gets to the nominations stage.  Deep rooted insiders like Nassir will ensure he is beaten.

    Nassir is a longtime loyalist and preferred choice of the outgoing Joho who doubles up as ODM party’s deputy leader with reliable influence connection with financiers.

    Until his defection, Shahbal was Jubilee Party’s key point-man in Mombasa but has been joining Odinga’s entourage at the coast before he announcing his dream to vie for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

  • How Joho-Raila divorce began in 2018

    How Joho-Raila divorce began in 2018

    The first ‘valuable item’ the system acquired from the handshake deal is Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho. On May 31 2018, barely three months ater the handshake, Joho hosted Baringo Senator Gideon Moi in his office in Mombasa. The vocal governor has been a staunch supporter of the ODM leader Raila Odinga but their relationship is waning with their silent divorce now beginning to rumble.

    Joho is now executing his plot to ditch the orange party by aiming at the presidential ticket that the orange community believes is preserved for Raila.

    After leading the Coastal region to support and overwhelmingly vote for Odinga in the past two elections, Joho is now challenging the ODM to return the favor and back his bid. The move leaves support for Raila in shambles when his worthy opponent, DP William Ruto , is leading an onslaught and making inroads into sections of the Coast region.

    Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi is also championing calls for the formation of a coastal party, an idea that Joho hates in public but supports behind closed doors. He is believed to be funding the entire process and he may use that party as a bargaining chip as he schemes for national politics ahead of 2022.

    Since he became ‘a non-profit’ to the ODM party after the March 9 2018 handshake, Joho has been barking to please the system but not necessarily ODM, where he is the deputy leader.

    Baringo Senator Gideon Moi reciprocated by inviting the flashy governor to his father’s home in Kabarak where Joho met the former Late President Daniel T. Moi. Such a meeting is monumental in Kenyan politics, it must the point at which Joho chose to reconsider his stay in ODM. If anything he is serving his final term and must scheme his way into national politics where deal making is based regions and numbers.

    Joho held a close door meeting with the former powerful president and Senator Gideon who was intensifying his forays into Kwale and Mombasa at the time.

    Late President Moi,C, Senator Moi, L, and Governor Joho when he visited Kabarak in 2019 [p/courtesy]
    Not much was read about the visit then but the relationship between Joho and Odinga’s ODM worsened when ODM lost Msambweni seat to an independent candidate supported by Dp William Ruto who is eating into Odinga’s support base at the Coast. ODM leaders from Nyanza blamed the Msambweni lose on Joho.

    In a retaliatory move , Joho’s family recently refused to fund and mobilize supporters to attend Odinga’s rally in Mombasa during his six day tour of the Coast. The rally was poorly attended amid speculations that 001 is only waiting for expiry of the deadline of presidential ticket applications before he can quit the orange party.

    The deadline for submitting applications is March 31, Odinga has not submitted his application but his hardliners like the Suna East Mp Junet Mohamed have already trashed Joho’s bid as a big joke.

    Joho is expected to ditch ODM and join the party that Governor is pushing to form which in turn will coalesce with the parties forming Sacred Alliance that is enjoying the backing of the system.

    The outspoken governor became ‘pro-system’ after he was sacked in through a deal that saw his family take over strategic cargo terminal in Nairobi built with the public funds. Joho will be in bed with the deep state which is out finish his party boss Raila Odinga and DP William Ruto as the only horses in the 2022 presidential race.

     

     

     

     

  • Likoni Ferry Tragedy Updates: Chinese ROVs Find 6 More Cars At The Ocean bed

    Likoni Ferry Tragedy Updates: Chinese ROVs Find 6 More Cars At The Ocean bed

    Latest updates from one of the most and recent tragic ocean accidents in Kenya’s coastline have indicated that the operations have found 6 more objects, possible cars, at the bottom of the Ocean.

    The efforts to recorver the submurged car that claimed two lives with the bodies of the lost souls yet to be retrieved, had recieved a boost after Chinese divers joined the operations.

    https://twitter.com/BincoAfrica/status/1178713107012739072?s=19

    A sourced Picture of A portable ROV.

    “Chinese Remotely Operated Vehicles, ROVs, are submersible, robotic systems, used to observe the depths of large bodies of water by operators from shore, or by divers in the water, have spotted 6 more cars at the Sea Bed” Reads a tweet from KenyanTraffic.

    The tweet updates have been supported by government official Spokesperson Col. Rtd Cyrus Oguna while addresing the press in the afternoon.

    Video courtesy of NMG/Youtube.

    https://youtu.be/HT6Hgrkv1Tc

    Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho has also spoken after a long mute since the accident occured in the waters at his Mombasa led County. Here is what the governor has said a few minutes ago via his official verified twitter account.