The absence of ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor who has been on a trip to Europe and parts of Asia is causing discomfort in his county.
Mombasa electorate are now questioning his many foreign trips while stanch ODM supporters are beginning to ask why his presence in party politics on a national level has fizzled out.
The Governor keeps abreast his constituents of his whereabouts and daily undertakings through social media.
Mombasa MCAs in particular, say his trips have a negative impact on the running of the county because there are things that require his attention.
“There is a good team to drive the county’s development agenda in his absence but it is common knowledge that in his absence some things cannot move,” Kipevu MCA Faith Pendo according to the Standard.
However, his Deputy Dr. William Kingi said termed the criticism is unwarranted because there is no vacuum in the county leadership since Joho left a fortnight ago.
“There is no vacuum at all. In his absence I perform all his duties and it is only people who want to politicise the otherwise worthwhile trips,” noted Dr Kingi.
He said Joho’s trips are beneficial to the people of Mombasa because they are geared towards establishing partnerships with foreign nations on health, education and infrastructure.
“Take a walk at Coast Provincial General Hospital (CPGH) and you will see that some of the ultra-modern equipment and renovation done there is through financial assistance from corporate and individuals from Dubai.”
Early March, Joho travelled to Estonia, in Northern Europe where the county signed an agreement with “Let’s Do It Foundation (LDIF)-a grassroots organisation based in Tallin, Estonia’s capital to ensure synergy on policies geared towards solid waste management.
He also discussed to length with Estonian officials about security and tourism in Mombasa. As a result of his trip, Mombasa will host the 79th SKAL World Congress 2018 in October.
Joho’s spokesman Richard Chacha defended the governor over his foreign trips noting that it is in line with the spirit of devolution.
He also said Joho will be back to office next week.