CS Joho claims shadowy individuals in ODM out to 'sacrifice him'

Mining and Blue Economy CS Ali Hassan Joho. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard] Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho used the ODM celebrations in Mombasa to challenge what he described as shadowy individuals attempting to force him out of the party. Joho claimed he had sacrificed significantly, both financially and otherwise, to build ODM and support the late Raila Odinga's political journey, insisting he would not allow anyone to sideline him. Speaking during the ODM 20th anniversary celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, he said ODM experts within government had been marginalised and vowed to resist any attempts to undermine him. Coast leaders who addressed the gathering pledged loyalty to Joho, describing him as the region's undisputed political kingpin who must be consulted on party matters. Joho expressed support for the new ODM Party Leader, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, urging him to ensure the party is run through established structures, not by "everyone". "ODM has structures, and not everyone should speak for the party. I urge the new leadership to take responsibility and unite the members," he said. He accused unnamed individuals of attempting to discard him despite his decades of loyalty, noting he had joined the party at the age of 20. Joho recounted moments when he was nearly shot in Migori County and faced severe harassment while defending the party, saying he would not allow anyone to push him out. "Msifikirie mtatutoa chambo au kafara. Nawaambia wengine wetu damu yetu ni moto. Ukileta tunaleta, ukitukujia tunakukujia. Mkitufukuza tutawafukuza." (Do not think you can use us as a sacrificial lamb. If you attempt to fight us, we will fight back and push you out). Saying his political ambition has always been to become president, Joho warned that he would not be used as a pawn, even if the confrontation caused the party to disintegrate. Joho mobilised crowds for the celebrations and branded vehicles with images of himself and the late Raila Odinga, which dominated Mombasa roads for days. "It is crucial for us to defend this party, and I want to tell those people that you cannot sacrifice us or push us out. Some of us are capable of fighting back," he said. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, one of ODM's three deputy party leaders, defended Joho, saying they had survived gunfire in Migori in defence of the party. Nassir also backed Oburu, stressing that anyone seeking access to the new party leader must go through him. MPs Mishi Mboko, Ken Chonga, Badi Twalib, Mohamed Machele, Paul Katana, Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, and Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma all pledged loyalty to Joho, affirming his influence in Coast politics. "If you want to come to Coast for politics, you must go through Joho. He is our political leader," said Mwaruma. Joho reiterated that he would not be used as a sacrificial lamb, warning his critics that he was prepared to fight back.

CS Joho claims shadowy individuals in ODM out to 'sacrifice him'

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Similar Articles

Research unveils economic value of invasive 'mathenge' shrub

Senators raise concern over Sh500 million Kilifi Industrial park project

Designing finance model that helps women owned businesses grow

Rising aviation costs, high levies squeeze African airlines' profits

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

CS Joho claims shadowy individuals in ODM out to 'sacrifice him'

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS