Joho endorses Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir's gubernatorial bid

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has thrown his weight behind Mvita Member of Parliament Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir's gubernatorial candidature.

Speaking during the annual Governors' Chritsmas Tree Lighting ceremony that was held at Treasury Square Joho said he has already laid out a succession plan and will soon unveil it.

“Nitakuja hapa kuunga mkono ndugu zangu wengine tuwapeleke mbele….. nawaambia hapa leo kwamba Abdulswamad Nassir atakuwa gavana my friends… safari ndio hii na mwelekeo tumeweka ni nyinyi kuufwata,” said Joho.

Joho’s pronouncemnet comes at the back drop of a heated battle of succeeding him pitting MP Nassir and businessman Suleiman Shabal who recently decamped to ODM.

Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, MPs Mboko (Likoni) and Badi Twalib (Jomvu)who seconded the endorsement said they have confidence in the ability of Nassir to succeed Joho.

"We know that Joho's term is ending and as he moves to national politics, We have one of our own. He is a humble person who has been tried and tested and is equally approachable. We must have one person we know well who will continue with what Governor Joho has accomplished and that person is Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir," Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said.

MP Badi on the other hand told Nassir  to soldier on as his prospects of succeeding Joho were high.

An elated Nassir took the stage to thank the leaders led by Governor Joho whom he extended an early invitation to at next year’s edition of the ceremony.

“You are the chief guest for next year’s governor’s Christmas tree lighting, nimekualika kabisa,” said Nassir.

Nassir is serving his second term as the MP for Mvita.