Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has clarified his plans to run for president, putting an end to the uncertainty surrounding his intentions to take on the country's top job.
While Joho has consistently maintained his desire to run, the timing of his candidacy has been uncertain.
Speaking in Garsen, Tana River County, Joho threw his weight behind President William Ruto, clarifying that he would only stand for election once Ruto had completed his two terms in office.
"We will hold William Ruto's hand and accompany him. whatever it takes. Once he clocks 2032, we will be waiting for that seat," Joho told a cheering crowd.
The former Mombasa governor also took a dig at critics who faulted sections of ODM leaders, including Raila Odinga, for deciding to work with the government. According to Joho, ODM would not 'fight other people's battles' with the government.
"I said in Kilifi, we from the Coast can't be taken to a fight that is not ours. We cannot be used as weapons to fight people who are not our enemies," he added.
Joho further assured the president of support from the coastal region, insisting that the Head of State had done enough to consolidate the voting bloc.
As far as his presidential ambitions are concerned, Joho revealed in 2024 that he was done with local politics.
“People were telling me that in the next general election, I should vie for a local seat. I want to tell them I am done with Mombasa politics; I am now focusing on national politics," Joho said during a public address months before he was appointed to the Mining docket.
At the time, ODM party leader Raila Odinga also hinted that Joho would eventually run for president on the party’s ticket by reiterating that no position within the party was reserved for anyone.
It remains to be seen who will succeed Raila as the ODM front runner, especially after the party's newfound relationship with the Kenya Kwanza regime.
Another interesting name affiliated with ODM who has openly expressed interest in running for presidency sometime in future is Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino.
Babu Owino reiterated his assertion in April that he is overqualified for the position and that he is the only person in Kenya who can beat President Ruto in the race.
In his address, Owino highlighted his biggest qualification, which he said was identifying with the common Kenyans, as he has gone through so many of the challenges they experience.
