Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho passionately defended his planned 2022 Presidential bid on an interview on Citizen TV's Nipashe on Thursday evening.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy party leader stated that he was determined to team up with influential figures from across the country to champion his bid.
In particular, Joho revealed that he was engaging, among others, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
"I'm not looking for regional leadership at the Coast, I want to speak to the nation. I must reach out to Kenyans elsewhere...
"We've gone to reach out to people with influence in the community like Francis Atwoli whom we want to engage," Joho stated.
The Governor further noted that he was in talks with other leaders including Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi for the same reasons.
Joho stated that coming from a minority community, he would seek to run on a platform of uniting all Kenyans irrespective of tribe or religion.
He further maintained that he would stick with the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) expressing confidence that he can capture the party ticket.
When questioned on whether he would ditch the party if Odinga chose to run for the Presidency again, Joho maintained that he would sit with Raila and discuss the matter.
He explained that his position as Deputy Party Leader of ODM, one of Kenya's biggest parties, motivated him to go for the top job.
"My party leader has not told me don't run...
"My leader has always been Raila Amollo Odinga and I'm sure we'll continue until I'm done with politics because of what he stands for, not him personally," Joho stated.
