Senator Hassan Omar and MP defend Joho on cargo stations

Mombasa Senator Omar Hassan addressing members of the press at a Nairobi hotel during the launch of the state of human rights report 2010-2014.The chair condemned the increase in extra judicial killings and disappearances.PHOTO.FIDELIS KABUNYI

Two political rivals of Governor Hassan Joho have defended him against alleged harassment by State. Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and Nyali MP Awiti Bolo, who are eyeing the governor's seat, asked the Government to stop 'politicising business'.

 This came after the closure of the governor's family businesses. Speaking during a voter registration campaign in Likoni on Sunday attended by CORD co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, the legislators told the State to only collect taxes and leave businesses to flourish without being dragged into politics.

 Bolo said as a businessman, he would not allow the Government to destroy anybody's business.

 The Government suspended the operations of Portside and Autoports freight stations in January, after saying illegal imports had been found there.

Omar also demanded transparency in the award of tenders in the county government. "We demand transparency," he said.