Mombasa, KENYA: Ali Hassan Joho was on Tuesday sworn in to embark on his second term as the Mombasa Governor in a ceremony that saw various leaders from the NASA coalition attend.
Speaking after the swearing in ceremony presided by justice Weldon Korir, Joho thanked Mombasa residents for believing in him and promised to continue fighting for Mombasa.
“Our mother Mombasa continues to be a major contributor for the greatness of Kenya but has unfortunately been exploited, I strive to be your simba! Because the simba protects the jungle!” Said Joho.
Joho went ahead to recount his tribulations during his tenure as the Governor in the past four and a half years; including the time his body guards were allegedly taken away from him, adding that his style of leadership is aimed at ensuring the constitution is protected.
“There has been obstacles from port activities being moved to Mombasa, I stood firmly against it to protect jobs. In everything we do we will always ensure the constitution is protected,” he added.
On promises, Joho said his county government will prioritize security in the region and also create a clean environment.
He further went ahead to declare his bid for presidency after completing his term as the Governor.
“I shall then return to you to seek your mandate to vie for the presidency of Kenya. I will ask Kenyan to judge me by the content of my character and not religion and tribalism.” Said Joho.
This comes after his counterpart Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi during his swearing in ceremony on Monday, said that he will join Governor Joho in his presidential bid.
READ ALSO: Governor Kingi to work with Joho in their 2022 presidential bid
The swearing in ceremony was also attend by NASA principals Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi who congratulated Joho and urged Mombasa to support them as they take their case to the Supreme Court.
“I have come from far with Joho. He is brave and courageous. Joho ni kifaranga kamili, sio kifaranga ya computer (Joho is a real chick, not one generated by a computer).” Said Raila.
During the inauguration ceremony, Raila said that he has declared the start of a national campaign for truth and electoral justice in Kenya.
“Today we launch a national campaign. Wizi ya kura mpaka uishe. Huu wizi ndio wa mwisho (Rigging must come to end. This was the last time). We shall not accept and move on.” Added Raila.
He said that they are doing their best so that future leaders of Kenya can have a chance of being a president in a free and fair elections.
“We will exercise our sovereignty so that Joho, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and others can have a chance to chase their dreams of becoming presidents.” Said Raila.
The swearing in ceremony was attended by Mombasa Senator-elect Mohammed Faki, Women Rep- elect Asha Husseing and the Mp-elects of the six constituencies in Mombasa i.e Kisauni, Likoni, Jomvu, Changamwe, Nyali and Mvita.
Embakasi South Mp Elect Babu Owino, Mbita Mp elect Millie Odhiambo, Suna East Mp- elect Junnet Mohammed, Homa Bay Women rep elect Gladys Wanga together with other NASA leaders attended the event.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, Kilifi Women Rep- elect Getrude Mbeyu, Malindi Mp elect Aisha Jumwa, Kilifi Senator elect Stewart Madzayo together with other Kilifi leaders also graced the event.
Outgoing Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and Jubilee gubernatorial candidate in Mombasa Suleiman Shabhal skipped the event.
