In a recent announcement at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto has nominated former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy.
This position is part of the negotiated Cabinet slots resulting from the Government of National Unity deal between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Joho, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics since 2004, is known for his outspoken and dynamic style.
He began his political career as the Kisauni party chairman for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) before being elected Kisauni MP in 2007 through the ODM party ticket.
He subsequently served as an assistant minister for Transport under President Mwai Kibaki.
In 2013, Joho was elected as the Governor of Mombasa, a position he held until 2022, successfully defending his seat in the 2017 elections.
Although he did not seek re-election in 2022, Joho was promised a cabinet role in the Azimio government had Raila Odinga won the presidency.