This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
On a visit to the Old Port in Old Town, Mombasa, where he used to sneak out of school to work as a porter in the early 1990s, Governor Ali Hassan Joho reflected on his journey to becoming the first Governor of Mombasa.
Published on October 25, 2019, Joho spoke about the struggles he faced, including being laughed at by people when he vied for MP in Kisauni and even his own family doubting him.
‘Today, Alhamdullilahi, I am the Governor of Mombasa. History books will say I am the first Governor of Mombasa,’ Joho said, looking back at the same Old Port where he laid the foundation for his success.
He recalled how he used to beg for odd jobs from a well-built Swahili man called Machkopa, who was the master porter at the time. On good days, he would load scrap metal onto lorries, earning Sh90 for the whole afternoon’s work.
Despite the setbacks and frustrations, Joho’s determination and ambition propelled him to the governorship and will, he says, propel him to the presidency.
‘It is because my intentions have always been pure. I have no ill-will towards anybody. That is why I succeed,’ Joho said.
