Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has reaffirmed his intentions to vie for presidency, despite his newfound cordial relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government. Joho spoke on Saturday, June 21, during the burial of the late Karisa Maitha's son, John Thoya Karisa, where he reiterated his intentions to become the first Kenyan president from the coastal region.
According to Joho, the late Karisa Maitha had the most potential to become the first coastal native to become Kenya's Head of State, and following his passing, he was the best placed for the job. "There was a day I saw a Coast native who could be president," Joho told mourners in Mombasa. "But I still harbour those dreams, and I have faith that one day the Coast region will produce a president of the Republic of Kenya." Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho speaking during a burial in Mtwapa on Saturday, June 22 2025.
Photo HassanJoho The CS also appeared to reference his coastal counterpart, the CS for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, who he claims also has plans to contest for presidency in the near future. The former Mombasa Governor noted that while Mvurya harboured presidential ambitions, he stood a better chance of clinching the top seat since he had a plan in place. Despite his declaration, Joho did not specify when he would contest for presidency, with the 2027 polls less than three years away. Notably, this is not the first time Joho has openly exuded confidence in landing the top job in Kenya.
In 2024, months before he was sworn in to head the Mining docket, Joho declared he was done with local politics. "People were telling me that in the next general election, I should vie for a local seat.
