Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has been described as one of the boldest politicians especially for his fierce criticism of the Jubilee Government and his no-nonsense talk.
As much as his political character has been admired by his supporters, it has equally attracted criticism and exposed him to constant confrontations with a number of leaders.
Nonetheless, this boldness has elevated his political status making him one of the most influential Opposition leaders and a kingpin in the Coastal region.
Kenyans.co.ke has delved into some of the past altercations with other leaders that have sparked an uproar, especially amongst Joho's supporters.
1. Senator Mike Sonko
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko almost got into a fistfight with Joho during President Uhuru Kenyatta's tour of Mombasa County.
Joho seemingly got furious after Sonko, who had accompanied the President during one of the rallies, failed to shake his hand as he was greeting other leaders.
A video of the incident shows the governor grabbing Sonko's shirt sleeve before other leaders moved in and separated the two.
During the tour, Sonko and the deputy ODM leader were involved in verbal exchanges in front of Kenyatta as they laid blame against each other.
The ugly altercation sparked a heated debate with supporters of either side condemning their rival with some castigating the leaders for disrespecting the Head of State.
2. Deputy President William Ruto
In the last few months, Joho has severally exchanged words with Deputy President William Ruto.
At one point, he was reported to have accused Ruto of being a land grabber after the DP called him an 'academic dwarf'.
This elicited anger among Ruto's supporters who demanded that the governor apologises. The Governor, however, vowed that he would never apologise for his remarks.
3. President Uhuru Kenyatta
Just a few weeks ago, the governor gave President Kenyatta a dress down in public accusing him of taking credit for old projects in his county that the Jubilee government had not initiated.
As much his supporters praised him for strongly articulating his concerns, others termed it as an attack and disrespect to Kenyatta.
4. Ret. General Joseph Nkaissery
Last year, the governor accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery of intimidating and harassing him after his bodyguards were withdrawn, gun certificate revoked as well as being ordered to surrender his guns.
Joho sued Nkaissery and the State requesting for reinstatement of the gun licences.
This was eventually granted by the court with Nkaissery being ordered to stop harassing the former Kisauni MP.
5. Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa
Governor Joho has also been embroiled in a prolonged battle with Coast Regional Coordinator Nelson Marwa since his bodyguards were first withdrawn in February 2016.
Recently when the Governor was reportedly apprehended on allegations of storming a police station, Marwa denied reports of the arrest and claimed that Joho had detained himself.
Marwa even dared Joho to try and storm another station vowing that he would face stern action.
6. MP Hezron Awiti
Nyali Member of Parliament (MP) Hezron Awiti has on numerous occasions clashed with the governor since declaring his interest in dethroning Joho in the upcoming August polls.
Supporters of the two leaders have also been drawn into the dispute, clashing on several occasions. The most recent incident was witnessed during the 2016 Jamhuri Day celebrations, where the groups got into a violent clash.
7. Senator Hassan Omar
Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar has also been at loggerheads with Governor Joho who he has been accusing of abetting corruption and mismanaging resources in the county.
On his part, however, the ODM Governor has consistently dismissed the claims by Omar, who is also interested in vying for the gubernatorial seat.
