Former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho is urging leaders within the ODM party to refrain from blaming Suna East MP Junet Mohamed for Raila Odinga’s defeat in the 2022 presidential election. Joho emphasized that Junet was a crucial member of the team tasked with delivering victory to the Opposition leader.
“Tena kuna wengine wanasema Junet ndiye aliangusha Baba, Junet mmoja ana uwezo gani?” he posed
Addressing the issue, Joho questioned the logic behind attributing the defeat solely to Junet, highlighting that he is just one individual in the team. He emphasized that Junet dedicated himself fully to the campaign efforts.
Furthermore, Joho revealed his own commitment to the cause, stating that he synchronized his sleep schedule with Raila’s, ensuring that he was awake before anyone else from their team. This dedication underscores the collective effort put forth to secure victory for Raila and the Azimio leader.
“I know Junet Mohamed. While in Nairobi, he is a great and important servant of Raila Amollo Odinga. I know it. During the campaigns, Junet never slept until Baba (Raila) went to bed and he woke up before Baba woke up. When I am in Mombasa, the first phone call I received always came from Junet and it was the same with many of you here,” the ODM deputy party leader said.
Joho emphasized that certain individuals joined the campaign efforts later and aimed to undermine Junet’s role. He stressed the importance of putting the issues surrounding the 2022 presidential election to rest, noting that those perpetuating such narratives have ulterior motives aimed at destabilizing the ODM party.
Following Raila’s loss in the presidential election, there were claims made by his chief agent Saitabao Kanchory in a book, alleging that Raila relied heavily on Junet and listened to no one else. Junet’s reduced involvement in party activities after the election contributed to speculation that he was responsible for Raila’s defeat.
Some leaders within ODM called for Junet’s removal as Minority Whip, while the party itself requested an explanation for his absence from its functions. Despite this, Raila defended Junet, stating that while disagreements may exist, Junet remained a valued member and leader within the party.
