Mombasa Governor Joho Defends His Long Foreign Trips to Europe, Middle-East

Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has come out to defend his long foreign trips that made residents raise questions over how he managed to run the county from overseas.

Addressing a public gathering for the first time after spending close to two months in Europe and the Middle East, Joho pointed out that his deputy William Kingi was firmly in charge of the county during the period.

The vocal Governor further said that he managed to woo investors from Estonia, Germany, France and United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his overseas tour.

“My able deputy discharged my duties effectively during my overseas trips,’’ he said.

Joho, who spoke when he launched a week-long anti-malaria drive to commemorate the World Malaria Day next week, said that he was impressed with how Kingi managed the county in his absence.

“When I traveled out of the country, he took full control. My deputy and I are real brothers. We are joined at the hip. Kingi has qualities of a formidable leader, he is ready and steady,’’ Joho said on Friday.

He dismissed those who were questioning his absence in the country, stating that the tour was official and meant to benefit Mombasa residents.

 “During my absence, there was a lot of hullabaloo. I am back and we are committed to serving the people who elected us,’’ he said.