A political showdown is looming in Mombasa after some of its leaders warned former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko that the county is not for sale.
Led by Governor Hassan Joho, speaker Aharub Khatri and Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, they said there is no way Mombasa residents will allow passers-by to come and take over their county.
Sonko is being fronted by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to vie in Mombasa after he was impeached in Nairobi in December 2020.
Joho promised to show Sonko dust, even as he expressed his support for Nassir to succeed him as he leaves office in August.
"I want them (Sonko and crew) to know that Mombasa is not for sale. We are ready to take them head-on," Joho said.
"The dust we are going to show them is nothing they have ever seen. You know me well, I mean what I say.”
Joho drummed up support for Nassir, saying that he is the best fit to take over from him and continue his good legacy at the helm of the county.
He also rallied Mombasa residents to deliver a clean sweep by voting six-piece in the August general election, saying that Mombasa is an ODM zone.
He spoke on Monday afternoon in Mombasa after the Eid prayers.
His sentiments were echoed by Khatri who said that Mombasa people will not accept political conmen.
Khatri said Mombasa has seen transformation under Joho's leadership and that Nassir is the best fit to succeed him.
Nassir, on his part, said he was ready to take on Sonko and any other opponent in his quest to capture the top county seat.
"Whoever wants to come and face us, let them come, and do not send your proxies. I want to assure you that Mombasa will not be bought. We shall face them head-on," Nassir said.
He asked Joho to leave Mombasa to him and focus on national politics, exuding confidence that he was up to the task.
"I am a political student of my late father Mzee Shariff Nassir and our party leader Raila Odinga. My brother Joho, leave Mombasa to me. Focus now on playing in the national political league," he said.
He further rooted for Joho, saying he is fit to be Raila's deputy as the race to pick the Azimio presidential aspirant's running mate gains momentum.
Joho himself said that he was ready to take over from the ODM chief as Kenya's sixth president.
He drummed up support for Raila ahead of the August polls, saying he was the best leader to continue President Uhuru Kenyatta's development legacy and take Kenya to the next level.
"I shelved my ambition, but I will be waiting to take over from him after he finishes his second term. The presidency is now going to Bondo, Luo Nyanza, but thereafter we bring it to the Coast.”
(edited by Amol Awuor)
