Mobilisers concern over Joho absence

Some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots mobilisers have expressed concern that the absence of former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho from the party’s activities is making the party ‘dull’ in Mombasa.
Speaking in Bamburi, Utange area yesterday, the grassroots party members expressed their frustration with the party’s mode of operation in the county leadership which they say has sidelined them from most of the activities.
Led by former Tudor Member of County Assembly (MCA)Tobias Samba, they now want Joho who doubles up as the ODM party deputy leader to actively take part in its affairs to ensure it remains vibrant.
They also want to be recognised by the ODM party leadership since they play key roles in mobilization as the party embarks on a new member recruitment drive in Mombasa. Joho is said to be on holiday overseas.
Due to their grassroots presence, they say their influence will bring more members into the party basket. ODM targets to mobilise more members and subsequent voter increase as it repositions in the next election season.
“We are asking Joho to come back to the party because his absence is really affecting us, he used to give us direction but since he is absent, the officials have lost direction, we love the party and it pains us seeing its firm group dwindle,” said Samba.
Samba, who is aspiring to unseat the sitting Mombasa chairman Mohamed Hamid Khamis, now wants Raila to ensure the party conducts fair elections, and should desist from handpicking of leaders.
“We want the elections done fairly, the last time we had elections is long time ago, the current leadership is not vibrant, that’s why we have joined the race to make it vibrant, we are very optimistic that ODM will rule again in the governor elections,” said Samba.