By Kamadi Amata

Former Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho, has explained his absence from Azimio meetings and demonstrations, citing health reasons and a recovery journey. Nonetheless, he expressed his full support for Raila Odinga’s ideology and promised to join the Azimio protests when he feels better. Joho added that he is ODM and Raila is him, and that Mombasa demonstrations will happen soon.

“I subscribe fully to the ideology of Raila Odinga, it is only for health reasons that I have been away, even as we speak I’m still recovering,” he said.

“Once I feel better, Raila will be behind me in the demonstrations. I am ODM and ODM is me, I am Raila and Raila is me,” he said.

Meanwhile, other Azimio leaders from the Coast region, including Stewart Madzayo, Amina Mnyazi, and Ken Chonga, participated in Nairobi demonstrations. However, shops in Mombasa stayed open, and residents and traders went about their businesses as usual.

Shops and businesses along major roads in Mombasa CBD — Moi Avenue, Nkrumah Road, Digo Road, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue and Abdel Nasser Road — were opened.