ODM to Field Candidates in All Seats Except Presidency, Says Joho

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mining cabinet secretary and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho says the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will field candidates in all elective positions except for the presidency that is still under discussion for 2027.

In his view, though the party will back President William Ruto’s second term, it will gun for the runningmate slot next year.

He said ODM would not negotiate for other political positions because the party has a strong grassroots base across the country.

The CS emphasized his commitment as a founding and long-serving member to safeguard the party from internal or external sabotage.

“In terms of other candidature, as ODM there will be candidates, and we will vigorously campaign for our candidates.”

Saying he is not the party’s official spokesperson, the minister noted that ODM’s leadership structures would ensure the party mounts a strong campaign ahead of the 2027 polls.

When asked about his alleged ambitions for the deputy president position, Joho downplayed the claims, saying his current focus is on national development rather than politics.

“Our trajectory is about the unity of the people, our plan is to have development coming for our people. Our clarion call is the few to unite and make a political difference,” he said.

The CS criticized former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua over his push for Mt Kenya regional unity as a voting bloc arguing that other regions can equally unite and wield greater political influence.

“Many have walked taking politics for a long time, there is no political heat yet. We are currently working as CS’sand hope the time will come and it will be political heat.”

He urged Muslims and Kenyans at large to embrace unity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence, especially during the Eid celebrations. He called on the well-off to support the less privileged in society.

“As we celebrate the ending of Ramadhan let’s remember the less privileged and remind ourselves that we are human and muslim teaches us about humanity, the most important thing is muslims and all the people to continue to coexist peacefully.”

Mombasa County Assembly Speaker Kharoub Khatri echoed the call for peace and religious harmony, urging residents to remain united.

Meanwhile, politician Said Abdalla alias ‘SAIDO’ called for unity in the country warning against tribal and ethnic-based politics.

The leaders were speaking after Eid prayers at Majid Ummul Kulthum Mosque of Kizingo area in Mombasa where the CS joined other muslims for the special prayers.