Joho portrait sparks debate among leaders
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho addresses journalists during a past function. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |
What you need to know:
- Likoni Uwezo Fund chairman Salim Abdallah “Kuuza” called for the dissolution of the Assembly, saying it lacked leaders who could steer the development agenda.
A private motion passed by the Mombasa County Assembly on Wednesday to hang Governor Hassan Joho’s portrait alongside that of President Uhuru Kenyatta has elicited mixed reaction from different quarters.
There is heated debate as the move’s supporters and its opposers exchange harsh words on social media and local radio stations.
Likoni Uwezo Fund chairman Salim Abdallah “Kuuza” called for the dissolution of the Assembly, saying it lacked leaders who could steer the development agenda.
“How can 30 Members of the County Assembly debate and pass a motion that has no relevance to the people of Mombasa who want development?” he asked. He dismissed the motion as “cheap politics” for 2017.
However, reacting on his Facebook account, Governor Joho (above) urged the MCAs to champion an agenda that would transform the lives of the residents.
“I am yet to receive official communication on the matter and will act in the best interests of the people,” he said.
Education and political analyst Gabriel Katana questioned the timing of the private Bill.
“Governor Joho is a well-known personality and he does not need a portrait to advertise himself so there is something seriously wrong at the CA [County Assembly] that needs urgent addressing,” he told the Sunday Nation in a telephone interview.
Prof Katana said the majority of Coast leaders had failed to harness the power of diversity to steer development.
“We will not suffer such embarrassment if our leaders have a panel of experts advising them on local and national issues,” he said. The analyst condemned sycophancy.
Mombasa ODM chairman and nominated MCA Mohamed Hatimy welcomed the criticism. “Likewise, Mjambere MCA Hamisi Ali Mwabashiri has a constitutional right to come up with a private motion for debate,” he said in a telephone interview.
Mr Hatimy told critics to look at the bigger picture: that Mombasa is the only county that had passed more than 11 Bills and has another 18 Bills pending debate.
“Which county has passed more Bills than Mombasa county?” he asked.
