By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
ODM Deputy Party leader Ali Hassan Joho has insisted that he is serious about his 2027 presidential bid.
Joho a few weeks ago declared his interest in the country’s top seat amid speculations of Raila Odinga’s exit from the local politics.
Raila is eyeing the African Union Commission chairmanship position.
Although the ODM leader has insisted even if he clinches the seat he will still be involved in the local politics, some argue it was his exit strategy.
With the possibility of Raila not being on the ballot for the presidency in 2027, Joho as been among those tauted as potential heirs to his throne.
However, he claims some individuals within the Orange party already want him to go slow on the presidential bid issue.
But speaking in Malindi, Kilifi county, Joho said he has just started his bid for the highest office in the country.
He ruled out any possibility of being talked out of the race.
“There are people in ODM, who are calling me saying I am going too fast and that I should go for talks. I am not talking to anyone, we will talk on the ballot box when it comes,” the former Mombasa Governor said.
“Mimi ndo nimeanza na sirudi nyuma. Sirudi nyuma. Na wakati huu, watajua hadi wapwani watahesabawa katika Kenya hii,” he added.
This is loosely translated to “I have just started and I’m not turning back. And this time around, they will know even coastal people will be counted in this country.”
Coast region has for long supported Raila’s presidential bid and Joho remains a key figure in the region’s politics.
Fellow ODM deputy party leader Wyliffe Oparanya has also been quoted saying his is ready to take over the mantle from Raila.
Early this month, the former Prime Minister exuded confidence that both Oparanya and Joho were capable of leading the party if he land the AU commission job.
“I’m here with Governors (Wycliffe) Oparanya and Ali Hassan Joho. They will come together (to lead ODM). A party with a strong foundation cannot crumble just because one person has left,” he said.
He added that “I’m confident that these (two) will continue driving the party agenda even though I’ll be in Addis Ababa. If they want advice, I’m ready. ODM will remain intact.”