'My family never believed in me,' Joho on his struggles to be a governor

Piece by: Peninah Njoki
Lifestyle

Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho has opened up about his struggles and challenges he faced wanting his family to take him seriously.

Joho who is famously known for as '001 (zero, zero, one) has not had life handed to him on a silver platter contrary to what people believe.

While at Serani Secondary School in the early 90s, Hassan Joho used to sneak out of school every Friday after the Dhuhr prayers.

His is a story of determination, perseverance, ambition and shrewdness despite frustrations even from the people he thought would have his back.

“When I vied for MP in Kisauni, people laughed at me.

Even my own family said I was a joker. Only a few friends believed in me,” Joho said.

The governor said his determination and ambition pushed him to governorship and will 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.