In what will be a major blow for Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho in his bid to defend his seat, a crucial community living in Mombasa has endorsed his rival in the Mombasa governor contest.
Jubilee party’s Suleiman Shabhal has received a major boost after Mombasa Kamba community endorsed him for the Mombasa seat, vowing to vote for him to the last man.
During a meeting held in Lohana hall in Mvita, leaders of the community accused the incumbent governor of abandoning them in the four years of his rule, even after voting for him in the 2013 general elections. They lamented that Joho did not consider the community in awarding of County jobs in his administration, and has failed to listen to their cry.
The Kamba community is said to be the second largest community in Mombasa after the Mijikenda, which means, if they back Shabhal as promised, Joho could be in big trouble.
Mombasa Kamba Community Advisory Council chairperson, Philip Ndolo led the delegation in endorsing Shabhal and vowed to employ all efforts to ensure his victory.
Shabhal trailed Joho in second position during the 2013 elections where he contested on a Wiper party ticket.
Hassan Omar (Wiper), Hezron Awiti Bolo (Democratic Party), and Suleiman Shabhal are also all eying to dethrone Joho from his seat.