Political evolution: Is Joho ready to break ties with Raila in 2027

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, Kenya Roads Borad chairperson Aisha Jumwa and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko during Jumwa's homecoming party at Msabaha grounds in Ganda ward, Malindi constituency, Kilifi County on Sunday, January, 2, 2025. Coastal leaders have thrown their weight behind Joho framing him as the new coastal political kingpin. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard].

The story of Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho's political evolution from President Ruto's critic to his defender mirrors that of Okonkwo in Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart"

Okonkwo's strong desire to escape the destiny of his father, Unoka, who was viewed as weak and ineffective, drove his ascent to power in the story of the award-winning novel.

Joho refers to ODM leader Raila Odinga as his political father. Like Okonkwo, Joho never hides his plan to break ties with Raila to back President William Ruto if it guarantees him power after 2027.