Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga on Monday December 20, 2021 recounted the political journey he has walked with Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho.

Speaking to grassroot leaders from wards within Mombasa County, Raila said that his journey with Joho dates back to when the latter first ventured into politics in 2004. At the time, Joho was vying for the Kisauni parliamentary seat in a by-election that he lost to Anania Mwaboza.

Raila said that though Joho later won the Kisauni MP seat in the next elections, their journey has never been easy. He said that they have had a hard time but the governor has never second-guessed his leadership from the time he was an MP.

“Joho and I have come from far. Our journey started during the Kisauni by-election when I supported his bid. At the time, there were a lot of irregularities in the elections and Joho lost but I urged him not to lose hope.

When he later got into Parliament he faced a lot of hurdles but he has stood firm with me until today,” Raila said.

The former Prime Minister said that despite the various challenges they have faced with Joho, there is no single day Joho has betrayed him.

“Joho has never betrayed me despite facing very serious challenges. He has even been forced to fight my battles but he has never got tired of standing with me,” he added.

Due to the loyalty, Joho has shown him over the years, Raila asked the Mombasa political leaders to allow him to take with Joho to national politics once he completes his term as a governor of Mombasa.