Is Jubilee out to harass Opposition ahead of 2017?

The national government should stop harassing and intimidating Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.

The governor has been embroiled in a fierce battle with the State over various issues but this time round, it is his security being targeted because of his political stand.

Mr Joho’s fallout with the Jubilee government was evident when President Uhuru Kenyatta pitched tent at the coast in January.

The governor’s security has been withdrawn on flimsy grounds that it is part of a move to reduce the number of officers attached to all 47 governors. Apparently, other governors still have their security intact.

It’s not lost to keen political observers that the withdrawal of the officers comes hot on the heels after Jubilee suffered a defeat in the March 7, Malindi by-election, and goes ahead to reveal elements of bad faith and abuse of power by the Government.

The move is barbaric and against the spirit of devolution, and is aimed at cowering outspoken Opposition governors.

Kenyans should condemn the use of the security apparatus to intimidate the coastal governor.

Joho’s case is yet another clear indication that the Kenyan police have become compromised by the Government in its bid to forcefully intimidate Opposition leaders.

Coast Regional Co-ordinator Nelson Marwa and Regional Police Commander Francis Wanjohi are misusing their powers in harassing the outspoken governor over flimsy issues at the behest of the powers that be.

As if that is not enough, the Government also wants Joho to surrender his personal firearm a month after closing two container freight stations associated with his family.

The State has linked Autoport and Portside freight stations to the smuggling of contraband; accusations that the governor’s family has vehemently denied.

It is clear to all and sundry that Joho, who is also ODM’s deputy leader, is being targeted by the Jubilee administration because of his ardent support for CORD.

It is no secret that Joho, who harbours presidential ambitions, strongly displeased President Kenyatta during his month-long stay in Mombasa, when he publicly accused him of snubbing him in his official engagements in the coastal city.

It’s now clear that the Jubilee government is impervious to criticism and is exhibiting dictatorial and fascist tendencies in Opposition strongholds ahead of next year’s elections.

Nassir Mohamed

The Jubilee government has been accused of humiliating Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho mainly due to his strong stand with his party ODM and the CORD family.

As much as this seems to be true, there’s more than meets the eye. Truth be told, there are other tough leaders in the Opposition who are critics of the Government, and the Government does not seem bothered with them.

It is not right that we burst out in condemning the Government’s action in withdrawing some of Joho’s security officers, and his guns, without knowing the reasons behind it.

If someone is found in the wrong, he should face the law, and legal procedures employed in punishing him.

We should be able to focus on the bright side; one that favours Kenyans and not a single person.

Almost every action taken by Government is viewed as political. It seems no one wants to know what really is going on with Joho; all we are concerned about is the political party is the victim affiliated to.

This line of thought is not healthy for our country, let everyone carry his own cross, and if found in the wrong, let him face the law by himself.

JM Kariuki