The continuous absence from the public by former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has raised eyebrows within ODM where he occupies the position of deputy party leader.

Supporters are now questioning his non-appearances to various events including those graced by ODM leader Raila Odinga and have even gone ahead to blame him for the dwindling support of the party in the Coast region.

Joho has been out of political scene since the outcome of the August 9 General Election.

Political pundits say this could affect the party’s visibility in the Coast region

During Raila’s visits at the Coast, governors Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa, Gideon Mungaro (Kilifi) and a number of ODM Members of Parliament are the ones who received him as Joho was nowhere to be seen.

Among the top events that Joho has missed include the inauguration party of his close ally Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir On September 15, 2022 which Raila attended.

Joho was also a nos how during the homecoming party of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro last year and Raila latest tour of Coast.

Following the move, a section of ODM party supporters have raised eyebrows that the party was on the verge of losing its political grip at the Coast, prompting them to ask Raila to initiate a series of engagements with ODM delegates to solidify the party. But while responding to the concerns, Raila who has been in Mombasa since Friday dispelled rumors of turmoil within the party following the absence of Joho.

Speaking to the press after a Sunday service at the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral yesterday, Raila noted that Joho had jetted out of the country but affirmed that the former governor would return later.

Commendable job

He noted that the politician would resume his duties as deputy party leader.

“Joho is out of the country, but he will come back. I have talked to him a couple of times. When he comes, he will resume his duties and continue to make his contributions,” Raila noted.

Other leaders have also come to the defense of Joho, saying he had done a commendable job in ODM.

Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba, during a meeting at the Tononoka Hall on Friday, defended Joho’s administration, saying he set an example of good leadership under the ODM party.

“As party leaders we are in the front line to ensure the party thrives, we are firm and can’t be swayed away by external forces,” said Bedzimba.

Mvita MP Mohamed Machele asked ODM leaders to stay united for the sake of development of the region.

Mombasa Speaker Kharub Khatri said out of 45 MCAs in the county Assembly, 43 are from ODM.

Mombasa county ODM chairman Mohamed Khamis has also ruled out any fallout within the leadership of ODM in Mombasa.

“Mombasa is still strong under the ODM party because we are commanding all the seats in Mombasa including 43 MCAs,” he said.