There is no doubt that Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho remains a political heavyweight.

Long before his appointment to the Cabinet, Joho had cemented his stature as a dominant force at the Coast and beyond. His recent political moves suggest he is not done yet — far from it.

Just last month, Joho led the Coast Parliamentary Caucus in a meeting in Nairobi to deliberate on the region’s socio-political direction ahead of the 2027 election. The meeting, seen as a subtle strategic regrouping, underscored his enduring clout in regional and national politics.

In an open show of support, a section of Coast leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) endorsed Joho for the presidency come 2032.

“We believe Joho has what it takes to serve as the sixth president of the Republic of Kenya,” said Rabai MP Kenga Mupe during a public function in Kilifi County, where they handed over bursary cheques and commissioned a new building at Kalio Comprehensive School.

The show of unity brought together a number of leaders, including MPs Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Mishi Mboko (Likoni), and Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri, among other Kilifi MCAs. All urged Joho to stay the course.

In his speech, Joho welcomed the endorsement and declared that he had outgrown local politics and was now focused on the national stage.

“I am now serving the country as a Cabinet Secretary, but my ultimate prayer is to become the president. This is a vision I believe is within reach. That’s why unity — not just among Coast leaders but across the country — is so important,” he said.

The former governor reiterated his ambitions during the recent burial of John Thoya Karisa, the son of the late minister Karisa Maitha, a revered figure in Coast politics.

“There was a time I saw a man from the Coast who could be president — Karisa Maitha. After his death, I took it upon myself to keep that dream alive. I still believe the Coast region can and will produce a president,” said Joho.

Regional kingpin

Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako, in a recent interview with Msenangu FM, described Joho as the only politician with the potential to unify the Coast, “a regional kingpin”.

“He has the influence. He pulls crowds. That’s what you need to lead,” said Mwashako.

Joho’s political story is one of perseverance. In 2004, he emerged on the national scene when he contested the Kisauni by-election following Maitha’s death. He lost to lawyer Anania Mwaboza — his only defeat in a political contest to date.

But Joho bounced back in 2007, clinching the Kisauni MP seat and rising through the ranks to become assistant minister and eventually Mombasa’s first governor.

“I had no political background, and nobody in my family had ever done politics. I had to learn from scratch,” Joho recalled in a past interview.

“The late Sharrif Nassir was the first to advise me. He told me that in politics, there is no such thing as bad publicity.”

Over time, Joho evolved into a charismatic and stylish politician, with more than 1.3 million followers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. His confidence, especially during his confrontations with the Jubilee government before 2017 elections, bolstered his public image.

A key turning point was the 2016 Malindi by-election, where he led an aggressive campaign that handed ODM a decisive win. The aftermath saw his security detail withdrawn by the State, a move that only added to his growing political stature.

“Joho became a household name because of how he stood up to the government. The reaction by Jubilee to ODM’s win in Malindi only added fuel to his fire,” said Prof Rocha Chimera of Pwani University.

Numerous hurdles

According to Chimera, Joho’s loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga has played a pivotal role in his political rise.

Raila has been on record, lauding Joho’s steadfastness.

“Our journey goes back to the Kisauni by-election in 2004. Despite facing numerous hurdles, Joho has stood by me through thick and thin. He has never betrayed me,” said Raila.

It is this loyalty that earned Joho Raila’s blessing to transition from regional to national politics after his gubernatorial term ended.

But not all observers are convinced that Joho’s star shines as brightly as before.

Politician and lawyer Anania Mwaboza argues that Joho’s influence at the Coast has diminished, and that his political clout has been reliant on Raila’s support.

“If you remove Baba’s people from the equation, who are Joho’s people?” Mwaboza posed. “If Raila truly backs Ruto in 2027, the Coast will tilt in that direction — not because of Joho but because of Raila.”

Mwaboza also pointed to Joho’s reduced presence in grassroots support, noting the absence of social welfare programs he once championed, particularly during Ramadan.

“His network has faded. His foot soldiers — MPs like Mishi Mboko, Mwinyi, Badi Twalib, and Bedzimba — are quiet. They’re not pushing issues that matter to the people anymore,” Mwaboza said.

He also criticised Joho’s silence on the appointment of Coast natives to key government positions.

“As a Cabinet Secretary, he should be fighting for our fair share in parastatal leadership. Out of over 100 government agencies, how many are led by Coast natives? These are the questions he should be addressing.”

Despite the critiques, Joho remains undeterred. With the backing of seasoned allies and a compelling personal narrative, he continues to position himself as a serious contender for Kenya’s top seat — a journey that could reshape the Coast’s place in national politics.