Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho dismisses claims over billboards row

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has denied claims that he has issued orders to bar his opponents from erecting campaign billboards in the county.

This follows allegations by gubernatorial candidate Hezron Bolo Awiti that the office of the governor has blocked his attempts to erect billboards at vantage positions in the county.

On Wednesday supporters of Hezron Awiti were engaged in a scuffle with county authorities when they tried to forcefully erect a billboard near a primary school.

Mr. Awiti said during a live interview on TV last night that he had followed all procedures and even tried to reach the Mombasa Governor but his attempts were futile as the governor did not respond.

"I have tried to call him, even send him messages and emails but received no reply", he lamented.

However, responding to these allegations through a calling session, Governor Joho said he had no control over advertising space as the billboards belong to outdoor advertising firms in the county.

"I booked and paid for advertising space since January just as normal candidate would do. I followed all the procedures and I advice all candidates to do the same", he said.

He added that he has no problem with candidates erecting their billboards as long as they adhered to county policies and dismissed these allegations as political sideshows.

Political commentators have however warned the governor that this row gives free publicity to Mr. Awiti and could earn him possible sympathy votes.