Joho does not run Mombasa, his brother calls the shots - Nyali MP

By Ishaq Jumbe | 7yrs ago | 6 min read

Nyali MP Hezron Bolo Awiti explains to ISHAQ JUMBE why he is not an ‘outsider’ in Mombasa and how he made his millions

Some quarters claim you are not Kenyan. Is it true?

I was born in Karachuonyo in Homa Bay. I am bonafide Kenyan, an honourable Member of Parliament representing Nyali Constituency where I have my home. I run businesses in this country and will be the next governor of Mombasa. I am married to two wives and have been blessed with a family.

You have been quoted claiming that your life is in danger. Who wants you dead?

For the second time in two years, my car has been trailed. I believe the people behind this want to scare me from running for governor of Mombasa. They even attempted to hijack me along the Nyali Bridge.

I have been accosted by a man named Farouk who pulled a gun and asked me to take my political ambitions to Kisumu.

These suspicious characters trailing me and attempting to harm me will not intimidate me. I have reported the case to the police.

Let’s talk money...how much are you worth?

I have been in business for a long time, starting off as a junior clerk and engaging in a side hustle. I realised if I bought eggs at a shilling, I could make an extra 50 cents. I also realised loaning them to my colleagues and allowing them to pay at the end of the month increased turnover tremendously. I established my own company after many struggles. I have made millions in the course of my deals but I remember holding my first million shilling cheque when I was 35 years old. As you might guessed, I ploughed it right back into business.

Why did you decide to venture into politics?

The need to actively participate in affairs of the society. Kenyans, including myself pay taxes and there is a need to ensure that the taxes improve the society. In particular, the less fortunate members should be cushioned from the vagaries of life in these difficult economic times.

I ventured into politics to be a voice of the poor and improve their lives. Most of our youth are misused instead of being given guidance. I joined politics to help the voiceless.

You want to be the governor of Mombasa County come 2017. What is your game plan?

Mombasa is a unique county. We have been a cosmopolitan society since historical times. We also have a trading history that dates back to the days of the Portuguese and Arabs. To date, we have been thriving on business and not the perpetual politics local leaders engage in day in day out. This County needs someone who understands investment like myself and to stimulate the economy and reclaim its glory as a trading powerhouse in the region. I have known Joho for a long time and can tell you that the man has never operated even a kiosk and is therefore not experienced in finance.

All the businesses linked to him belong to his brother and not him.

Properly running this county has been part of my calculations, therefore I know what I am doing. Right now, Joho is feeling the heat since I announced my bid. As for Hassan Omar, he may be my friend but I must say that he is an activist. We do not need an activist to run Mombasa County. As for Shahbaal, he has already proven he has no capacity to beat Joho. I am the best placed and I am my own man. I fund my own campaigns and will therefore not owe anyone anything.

Running for governor requires one to be degree holder. Are you qualified?

I have a business management degree but will not say at this point from which university. My business empire also proves that I have exceeded expectation in business management.

You have been quoted claiming Abu Joho is running the County of Mombasa and not Hassan Joho. What makes you so sure?

I stand by my claim. Abu Joho runs this County with his brother Hassan Joho as his puppet. The people of Mombasa deserve better and that is the reason why am running.

You have been accused of running a sectarian and tribal campaign. Can you garner the Muslim and Wapwani votes?

There is hardly anyone in this county who can claim to be an original Mpwani. Even the governor’s family has roots in faraway Tanzania. There are those with roots in Arabia and almost everyone can be traced to some other place. As for religion, I believe that this being a country where we share freedom of worship, religion does not determine suitability of a leader. Anyone with the correct set of policies can serve both Muslims and Christians.

I stand to unite all communities that settled here regardless of their religious affiliations. Besides, I might be born a Christian but along the way, I embrace the Islamic faith. That does not mean that I stop my political pursuits.

Is the time right for a person from upcountry to take charge of Mombasa County?

Look at the mayors of Mombasa, we have had a Taita, then Mijikenda, all the rest have been foreigners who assimilated into this society. Therefore time was right a long time ago. I do not represent any particular group. I have roots elsewhere, but so does the majority of the people of Mombasa.

How will you tackle the insecurity and terror issues affecting the Coast?

Unfortunately, our region has so many groups of people expressing their frustration with the system and some of them are classified as criminals, others terrorists, others secessionists. All these are indicators that there is an underlying problem that is being ignored. Two wrongs do not make a right.

Violence has not solved our insecurity problem. We need to address rampant poverty and joblessness among the youth. We must deal with historical injustices and ensure equitable distribution of the national cake.

Religious groups are also not adequately involved in the allocation of social services. We need to involve technology and experts in security to update our systems. Otherwise, ‘Wakali Kwanza’ are just a bunch of misguided youth crying for help.

What is your association with the Owino Uhuru scandal seeing that documents proved you were a director of Kenya Metal Refinery? Have you reached out to the affected families? Is it true your political enemies sponsored the expose?

Those who thought the Owino Uhuru scandal would destroy my political ambitions were very disappointed because no matter how sensationally you try to link someone to a rumour, facts are stubborn things and cannot change. The matter is however in court.

What I can say however is that I was the landlord and I blame the county government and relevant government agencies who failed the people of Owino Uhuru.

In my own small capacity, I have visited the people, helped where I can and even allowed them to stay on my land without labelling them squatters.

Can we expect a time when you will go back to ODM?

I am a very senior member of Wiper democratic movement. There is no way I can go to ODM to become an ordinary member. I believe in wiper and Wiper believes in me.

There is reportedly a high turnover of employees from your company. You have been accused of tax evasion. Are your business practices above board?

I am not Donald Trump screaming ‘You are fired’ to my apprentices. I do not even run the company any more. I have managers who are in charge. Besides, businesses all around are going through tough economic policies put in place by the Jubilee administration. We have over 680 employees and of course, we expect they will do their job.