‘Hassan Joho will be in the next government!’ These were the words of Francis Atwoli in Lamu on Saturday.
But unfortunately, these words didn’t receive a lot of airtime since the media chose to concentrate on the ‘Ruto will not be on the ballot part.’
Before Okoth Obado was mentioned in the murder of Sharon Otieno, Hassan Joho was the most famous governor in Kenya politics. This had something to do with his own feuds with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Mombasa governor has stated that he will be running for presidency in 2022 because he believes he can beat Ruto hands down. But does he stand a chance against the hustler?
Joho is loved in Luo Nyanza, and if he was to run for presidency with Raila’s blessings, then he already has at least 2 million votes from the region.
He is considered the coastal kingpin, and is guaranteed at least 70% of the votes. He will however have to convince his people to turn up in large numbers and register for votes.
There is also no doubt that Joho is the most handsome governor in Kenya. This alone can get him a big share of the youth votes.
Now this might be a rough analysis, but if the governor was really serious about running for President, then he will be a threat to Ruto.
But Joho is not the only governor who has declared his interest in the big seat. In Ukambani, Alfred Mutua plans to campaign on his Maendeleo Chap Chap Party.
Mutua holds a PhD in Public Relations, something that should not be underrated in Kenya’s popular politics.
Mutua is a good politician and a good orator but sometimes the man overestimates his power.
His recent attacks on Kalonzo may do him more harm than good. But with his knowledge and experience, he can give Ruto a good run.
In Western Kenya, Wycliffe Oparanya believes it is time for a Luhya to be President. Oparanya is banging on his development record as a basis; He has constructed a 10 billion Referral Hospital and upgraded Bukhungu Stadium.
Oparanya is hoping his Luhya brothers Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi can support him. If the Luhya house unites behind Oparanya then Ruto should be a worried man.