Hassan Joho Confirms Presidential Ambition, Eyes Future Bid for State House
Though Joho did not reveal when he intends to run, his remarks come just months after taking office in the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho. Photo/Kenyans.co.ke
By Janet Philip
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has once again declared his intention to vie for Kenya’s presidency, reaffirming his long-held ambition to become the first Head of State from the Coast region.
Speaking at the funeral of John Thoya Karisa, son of the late former Tourism Minister Karisa Maitha, Joho reflected on Maitha’s unfulfilled potential to become Kenya’s first coastal president.
“There was a day I saw a Coast native who could be president,” Joho told mourners. “I still harbour those dreams and believe the Coast will one day produce a president.”
Though Joho did not reveal when he intends to run, his remarks come just months after taking office in the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto.
Despite his current alignment with the administration, Joho emphasized his shift from local to national politics, having previously stated he was “done with Mombasa politics.”
The former Mombasa governor also hinted at Youth Affairs CS Salim Mvurya’s presidential ambitions, noting that Mvurya has a “clear strategy” and stands a strong chance if he enters the race.
Joho’s bold declaration echoes ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s earlier statement that the party’s top seat was open to all. “No one should think I’m automatically the party leader and presidential candidate. ODM is a democratic party,” Raila said in February 2024.
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